When I torque down my rod bolts to check the oil clearance, can I reuse the old rod bolts then replace with the new ones once I have the correct bearing selected?

 

replace, they are a torque to yield bolt, so they get stretched

 

So I should use a new set to check the clearance, throw them away when I remove the rod caps to check the oil clearance then if the clearance is ok use a second new set to finish up?

 

Use the old ones

 

That's what my common sense tells me, but of course this advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

It shouldn't make any difference in clearance with the old rod bolts.

 

Sorry, I didn't read that clearly. You will not have to torque those to full torque to check clearance, and it is a PITA anyway. Got 30-40ft lbs with the old ones to check you clearances. Use new ones when you put it back together.


P.S. I shot my mouth off without reading through your post all the way.