I've been told you shouldn't reuse cylinder head bolts?

Why?

Do you reuse them?

 

This is a great topic to google and read till your eyes bleed! My understanding is the metal is weaker after being properly torqued and so will not stand up to additional uses. Cheap insurance to use new hardware.

 

Some engines require or are advised to replace the head bolts but most do not. Presently replacing a head gasket on a 2.4L Chrysler engine. Bought the car at a sale with unknown history except the blown head gasket. I can see that the head has been previously changed and the gasket blown again. Getting valve job, head milled and new head bolts @ $21.00 .

 

the head bolts only need to be replaced if they are torque to yield head bolts.
this method of torqueing cylinder heads is much more precise than torqueing to a set ft/lbs measurement. The bolts are degree torqued into a range that stretches the bolt. Once used, the will not retain their clamping force a second time so new head bolts are needed.


goggle torque to yield head bolts.

 

Honestly I always get new bolts, torque to yield or not. If you're that deep into the job already then the cost is hardly noticeable for good insurance/ piece of mind

 

I found new bolts for $20.

Definitely worth it.