2000 Forester, 2.5 l, 5 sp manual, 120k miles.

I am in the process of replacing the tranny.

While the motor is out I will be installing new head gaskets.

I am using the gaskets from Subaru.

I read the extra cost may be worth it.

How about the head bolts?

I don't want to reuse the old ones if this will be a compromise.

How can I tell the condition of them?

They stretch, right?

Measure the length or diameter?

What is a go/no go dimension?

At about $120 a set I don't want to change if not necessary.

Thanks

Rick

If you have no reason to think that they have been grossly overtorqued in the past, reuse them. Lots of guys here have done that (me included) with no problem at all. Anyway, I think Subaru says to reuse them.

These head bolts are not meant to be replaced and never are. Replacing them comes from quirky ideology, not anything quantitative and factual. Subaru doesn't do it. It's a good idea to thoroughly clean the threads, maybe even chase them with a die, of the bolts and block to make sure you get good even torque. If that's annoying and a waste of your time, buy new ones.

Lube them very, very well. They are gonna creak a lot when torqueing - atleast a few of them it seems. Which may cause to double think re-using them.

 

I always reuse them myself.

if you insist on replacing them, upgrading to head studs might be a better option.

subaru bolts are not torque-to-yeild like you find in iron blocks. you would strip the aluminum threads before the bolts stretch

 

re-use them, as it always has been with subarus. just follow the torque sequence as it is staged

Thanks a bunch folks.

Maybe I was being too anal.

I just didn't want to regret being cheap later on.

Now to deal with the stuck exhaust stud.

rick

most here, myself included, recommend Subaru head gaskets, have the heads machined and install everything nice and clean. good luck:banana: