I'm replacing the head gaskets on a 2001 Forester EJ25 (SOHC). I don't see where the factory manual says I should use new head bolts, but maybe that's just something that real mechanics know about modern engines. I've read that because the bolts are designed to stretch that they should always be replaced with new but it seems like most of what I read implies that people are reusing the existing bolts.
What's the risk of reusing these bolts? I'm a proponent of replacing parts that might fail or cause a failure due to wear or stress, but I don't have big cash reserves for unnecessary expenditures on this project.
By the way, this Forester engine is going into a 1988 VW Vanagon to be used for camping, towing small sailboats, light off road, but not racing and hard acceleration, if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
What's the risk of reusing these bolts? I'm a proponent of replacing parts that might fail or cause a failure due to wear or stress, but I don't have big cash reserves for unnecessary expenditures on this project.
By the way, this Forester engine is going into a 1988 VW Vanagon to be used for camping, towing small sailboats, light off road, but not racing and hard acceleration, if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance for your advice.