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Head bolts

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Steel shot, Feb 5, 2013.

  1. Steel shot

    Steel shot New Member

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    First i wanna say hello to all! I am in the mist if buying a 1250a kit and getting my heads inpacted and new red shift cams lifters and push rods! My? Is should i get new head bolts?
    Steel shot, Feb 5, 2013
    #1
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    its a good idea they are cheap insurance.
    hotroadking, Feb 5, 2013
    #2
  4. Steel shot

    Steel shot New Member

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    Thanks! its what i thought it but was nust wondering
    Steel shot, Feb 5, 2013
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Ya don't have to, I've used them over,
    however it's not a big deal to replace

    Be sure to properly oil them before install
    per the manual to get correct TQ
    hotroadking, Feb 5, 2013
    #4
  6. Sir Rat

    Sir Rat Active Member

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    A machinist friend of mine whos opinion I trust always said The first time you re-use a set of headbolts torque em to 5 ft lbs over, the second time you re-use a set of headbolts torque em to 10 ft lbs over, the third time you re-use a set of headbolts throw em away. Now this advice was for small block chevys, but I imaginge the priciples would still be the same. New headbolts is cheap insurance as long as you don't buy cheap headbolts and I don't mean price as much as quality. Maybe if you stick with OEM you should be ok?

    Aloha....Mike
    Sir Rat, Feb 6, 2013
    #5
  7. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Don't have to but as said cheap insurance I would replace them.
    FLHTbiker, Feb 6, 2013
    #6
  8. cardboard

    cardboard Well-Known Member

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    The reason is they streached.
    I reused the ones on my last bike, wound up tearing it back down and replacing it because I tried to git by the 1st time.
    cardboard, Feb 6, 2013
    #7

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