Joined
·
13,015 Posts
When I build an engine, I always buy new rod bolts. Period. But I used to always re-use the main cap bolts. As time went by, and I built more and more engines, I began to see some broken main cap bolts when I tore them down. So I started replacing main bolts also. I just bought another SB400. It has 150Kmi on it. It came out of my cousin's 75 Elky and was running just fine (using some oil). I tore it down last night and discovered the head of a main bolt had broken off. How long? Who knows? My whole point here is if you are planing on an engine rebuild soon, don't cut corners here. Replace the rod/main bolts, even if it is a stock rebuild. Who knows, if you re-use your old bolts, a bolt head may pop off as soon as you button up the pan. And you would never know it. Well, maybe later.
------------------
Tom Parsons
[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 12-16-99).]
------------------
Tom Parsons
[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 12-16-99).]