MX-3.com

Ryan wrote:My 30+ year Mazda tech never replaced K or B head bolts, unless they were damaged.

Inodoro Pereyra wrote:Hmmm...I've always thought you had to replace them...Either way, I don't know if I'd risk it (especially being that a set of head bolts isn't that expensive).

Oddly (and sadly?) I would agree with Ino, I've always been told and read that head bolts should be replaced.

As far as lubricating bolts always follow the manual. Some bolts need lube some don't and of course excess lube or lube where it not recommended could cause a hydraulic lock similar to what Ryan was talking about. My money is on reusing these bolts as Jap bolts and hardware are far superior to the crap they use on North American cars aka The Big Three.

You guys can spend the extra cash... I'm perfectly content on re-using them on a stock power build. To each their own I guess? I'll let you know if it ever throws me a curve ball...

I haven't updated this in a while but I can confirm that it's leaking out of the head gasket. You can see the oil all over the back, coating s---.. but it stops where the gasket is at, and the head is completely clean.

I decided also not to risk it... I didn't want to slap a new head on and find out that it wasn't the gasket but the head bolts, so I got some ARP head studs.

Since it's so cold out, a friend of mine I used to work for is going to do the job for me. He has an indoor garage and I do NOT feel like working on this car in the snow.

Going to call him either today or tomrrow. He has to get this old CJ Jeep out first before mine will go in.