OM603.96 Rod Bolt Replacement

[ChiefRider]

I know the FSM has bolt diameter specs on rod bolts but I'm wondering what anyone's experience has been- Do you find that after one installation they have typically stretched below spec, or are they usually re-usable?

This is probably more of an informational question. I'm buying new Febi brand bolts since I think it is cheap insurance to keep the rods inside the block.

[sixto]

I've yet to see a head, main or rod bolt measure out of spec.

Sixto
87 300D

[auspumpen]

If the Febis don't explicitly state that they're made in Germany, Sweden or France, I wouldn't trust em. I've routinely reused head bolts, which as mentioned have never been shown to be out of spec. These heads don't walk around, which is probably what stretches them on other types of engines.