Can I use the stock main bolts that were originally in my motor? Or are they one time use kinda things.

when reinstalling the crank in a 2000 shortblock.

According to helms just the side bolts aren't re-useable.


Still....check clearances.

id get some better ones if you are in there...cheap insurance if you ask me

Yeah torque to yield bolts should never be reused. You would be asking for trouble in the bottom end. Katech or ARP would be a good idea. or stock main bolts will work too.

can I at least plastiguage with them? And if so how much torque would you say it would need? Or am I just kidding myself and should just get different bolts?

ive been waiting for a couple weeks while for the 2nd set of bearings to come as the 1st set had a damaged one. The block has about 20000 miles on it and nothing has been machined so I just bought standard size bearings. Im almost sure that there wont be a fitment issue but it was recomended to me that I plastiguage anyways.

the main cap bolts are NOT torque to yield.


and i would be very careful about taking advice online when it comes to the bottom end....

......where else can I get an answer at midnight?.....lol

So your saying that they can be reused?

The Main Cap bolts CAN be reused. the side Cap bolts will need to be replaced GM Part# 12556127 you will need 10

yes.
they can be reused.. same with the rod bolts.

the crossbolts CAN be reused, as their torque spec is not torque to yield, however, its a good idea to replace them while you're there... just like its a good idea to replace the small bolts on the heads.. not required, but while you're there with the torque wrench......

I'm rebuilding my engine too, I'm reusing all the main bolts and rod bolts. I'll be adding a little extra torque and some blue loctite. DONT USE RED

How much torque are you using? To my understanding they are torqued the first time around and then you tighten it an extra so many degrees of rotation the second pass.

Theres only 20000 miles on these bolts so I cant imagine that these bolts can be in bad shape.

The stock main cap bolts can be re-used, along with the side bolts. The cap bolts are torque-angle, not torque-to-yield! These are two totally different concepts! The side bolts are recommended by GM to be replaced only because they come with a sealer on the head of the bolt to prevent an oil leak. Some silicone or thread sealer on the old bolts takes care of that problem.

Jason

crap.....well now I don't know what to do because I just got off the phone with 3 local dealerships and they all said that they should not be reused at all. I guess since im a paranoid person ill just go ahead and get all new bolts...