Normally when replacing a HG I would replace the bolts as a matter of course as they tend to be the stretch variety, however my local dealer told me today that it wasn't strictly necessary on the 1.3 Skoda engine.

So what is the definitive answer?

They are stretch bolts on this engine so yes it is advisable to replace them! Especially if the car has done a few miles and they are a few years old.

It suprises me that a skoda dealer would tell you otherwise.

I hope I'm right... but pretty sure I am!

Phil

If it is the first time they have been out, i would reuse them

once they have been used (provided they were torqued down properly) they have been "set" (stretched).

you need to use new ones, especially as the 1.3 has a tendency to pop its head.

Autodata says you don't need new ones. I take it you know torques and orders...???

Torques and orders will be courtesy of Haynes, just the quandry of the bolt replacement itself.

Possibly more importantly is what is the correct protrusion for the liners above the top of the head?

I vote for new ones. The torquing is set by rotation after a pre-torque, and I reckon it's because I re-used old bolts in one of my 1.3 Estelles that I stripped a thread out of the block - just one more hassle one doesn't need.

autodata says you dont need to change them but after reading the post i guess the consensus is if you got the cash, replace and be on the safe side,

also on a page ive read it said that the torque specs are too low, so put a little more torque into them and always use sealant for the HG