Section 0 - Engine Disassembly and Assembly - Group 00 Engine Assembly (0-02) M11 Page 0-93 Reuse Guidelines - Flange Head Capscrews Using flange head capscrews with the torque plus angle method of installation places the capscrew beyond the yield point and permanently stretches the capscrew. These capscrews can be reused throughout the life of the engine unless the capscrew exceeds the specified free length. The free length must be checked to avoid bottoming in the block during installation. Cylinder head capscrew length gauge, Part No. 3823546, has been developed to check capscrew free length.
To check the capscrew free length, place the head of the capscrew in the appropriate slot, long or short, with the flange against the base of the slot. If the end of the capscrew touches the foot of the gauge, the capscrew is too long and must be discarded. If there is clearance between the end of the capscrew and the bottom base of the tool, the capscrew is OK for reuse.