I'm in the process of replacing a blown head gasket on my 88 Cherokee YJ 4.0 liter 6. Why is not important (although in retrospect, it shouldn't have been necessary).

Just finished replacing the valve guide seals (they came with the kit).

Here's the question:

Should I replace the head bolts? The gasket kit (Mahle) recommends it.

I was planning on chasing the male and female threads and reusing the old bolts, but I'll pay attention to the opinion of anyone who thinks that it would be a mistake.

 

Yes, you should install new ones.
They do stretch over time and can lose some strength.

Pay close attention to the one that requires sealant and a lower torque value.

 

I want to say that the head bolts can be twice.
Thing is if you are not the original owner how do you know for sure that nobody has been in there before.
For something that requires this much work would hate to take the chance.
If I ever have to do it to my Jeep she is getting new head bolts.

 

I've heard some bolts are reusable and some arent. I personally would never reuse head bolts

 

My FSM says they can be used twice, but they should be painted white if used again. My thoughts are they are cheap insurance to replace them every time.

 

I say reuse them.

Chances are they're better quality than the horrible excuse for parts that are sold new.

 

Greetings all,

I received the advice to replace the head bolts, and am following it.

It did cause some problems, which is why I'm posting this message.

I searched high and low to locate a set of head bolts for my Cherokee and kept coming up empty.

I finally located a source, so I'm going to share this, so no one else has to waste time hunting down the parts.

The source is Quadratec.