Topic: Just ordered Stainless Bolts... Anything I should know?

[Prez1967]

Just ordered stainless bolts from Jim @ http://www.metrocast.net/~spillane/index_002.htm

Anything I should know about the engine case bolts before I replace them one at a time?

Anti-seize will be used for sure.

[RJ CB450]

Mostly, be careful torquing them down.  They are a socket head machine screw, so easy to over-torque and just rip the threads out.  Make sure you clean all the internal threads very well before installing.

Other than that, stainless and socket heads are far superior to the zinc plated crosshead and hexhead used originally.  Double check the lengths.  Sometimes the lengths are to include a washer, so see if you need to place new ones to prevent bottoming out.

[ken65]

a little anti-seize aswell helps stops  metal reaction.

[calj737]

Anti-sieze is aa real requirement when using SS in alloy cases. Only hand snug them. None of the side cover bolts/screws require anything more than 6-8# of torque. Just hand firm.

[Stev-o]

Only hand snug them. None of the side cover bolts/screws require anything more than 6-8# of torque.

+1.  I find using a small 1/4" ratchet lessons the chance of over torquing.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Yeah, you should know they will polish out to chrome consistency and shine. I sand them down if the surface is not smooth then take them to my polishing wheel. Oh yeah, I do it the easy way, I chuck each one up in my cordless Dewalt drill and turn the head against a sheet of sand paper then the buffing wheel on my stand.

[tlbranth]

When you thread a stainless bolt into aluminum, be sure to use COPPER antiseize. This is per INOX recommendation.

[Hon3ybadger]

When you thread a stainless bolt into aluminum, be sure to use COPPER antiseize. This is per INOX recommendation.

I did not do this. Thank you for the advise!

[SohRon]

Copper - probably the worst thing you can do to your case with SS bolts. Anti-seize manufacturers (and most mechanical engineers worth their salt) recommend zinc, aluminum, or nickle for SS/aluminum interactions due to galvanic corrosion. Leave the copper stuff for your spark plugs and exhaust studs.

If Copper was a ubiquitous cure-all, manufacturers wouldn't have bothered formulating other types, especially those aimed specifically at Al/SS interactions.

[tlbranth]

I've posted this before but here it is again. INOX makes stainless fasteners for motorcycles. Read their recommendation for yourself. I tend to think they know what they're talking about since it's their business.
http://inoxbolt.co.uk/zen/index.php?main_page=page&id=2#anti_seize

[SohRon]

Looks to me that Inox are distributors rather than manufacturers:

Our A2/A4 fasteners are mostly of European origin

Products machined from T316/303/431 alloys are made by local machinists

Bolts come in, you order them, bolts go out. It's obvious from his recommendation for copper anti-seize that his understanding of galvanic corrosion and the galvanic table is limited, at best.

Talk to any mechanical engineer about using copper, stainless and aluminum together and you'll get an earful. They just don't mix. It's why you shouldn't use copper and aluminum wiring in your house, for instance; in fact, there are special connectors that are required if you must do so for some reason.

Again, if Copper was meant to be a ubiquitous cure-all, manufacturers wouldn't have bothered formulating other types, especially those aimed specifically at Al/SS interactions. Frankly, I'd rather listen to the anti-seize manufacturers in regards to what to use; it's their business, after all!

I'm not sure why it's so tough to consider anything but copper... it's just as easy to get the right stuff and not take chances!

But, it's your bike - do whatever you want to it. 

[calj737]

+2 to what SohRon stated. I use the grey flavor for all SS bolts and have ZERO problems. Copper is restricted to exhaust gaskets only. Copper and aluminum expand at very different rates when heated.

Grey is all that's necessary.

[tlbranth]

Well at my age I can't pee all that far so I'm out

[flybox1]

Glad I read this thread before my build.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=94686.0;nowap

[RJ CB450]

Glad I read this thread before my build.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=94686.0;nowap

This is why I dislike threads about science.  Lack of references :p  As for the never use copper, disagree.  But also in that thread, there are bound to be things that are used instead.  Like that Permitex stuff for aviation.  I don't feel like looking it up, but there is more to that than just the base metal so take that info for what you will.

On the topic of galvanic corrosion, that is another whole bag of worms.  True, aluminum and copper together will react in a bare and dry environment.  However, the stainless steel or whatever other material which would have even more of a cathodic/anodic reaction does even more.  Point is, add into thermic properties as well.  When you add stainless, the copper will break down before the aluminum.  Use nickel, the nickel and stainless form a barrier.  On top of that, if I remember my products correct, the anti-sieze is also non conductive helping to prevent the galvanic reaction as well.

Meh, too much science for a monday.  Suffice to say, there is alot more to antisieze compounds than two dis-similar wires twisted together.

[lucky]

Looks to me that Inox are distributors rather than manufacturers:

Our A2/A4 fasteners are mostly of European origin

Products machined from T316/303/431 alloys are made by local machinists

Bolts come in, you order them, bolts go out. It's obvious from his recommendation for copper anti-seize that his understanding of galvanic corrosion and the galvanic table is limited, at best.

Talk to any mechanical engineer about using copper, stainless and aluminum together and you'll get an earful. They just don't mix. It's why you shouldn't use copper and aluminum wiring in your house, for instance; in fact, there are special connectors that are required if you must do so for some reason.

Again, if Copper was meant to be a ubiquitous cure-all, manufacturers wouldn't have bothered formulating other types, especially those aimed specifically at Al/SS interactions. Frankly, I'd rather listen to the anti-seize manufacturers in regards to what to use; it's their business, after all!

I'm not sure why it's so tough to consider anything but copper... it's just as easy to get the right stuff and not take chances!

But, it's your bike - do whatever you want to it. 

I agree. Never put copper next to aluminum!

[Accolay]

So, what antiseize product should I buy?

[calj737]

Grey.

[Stev-o]

So, what antiseize product should I buy?

Want some popcorn while you wait the answer?!!

[Prez1967]

So, what antiseize product should I buy?

Blue Loctite?

[calj737]

Not really the correct product for side covers. It will be much harder to remove the covers any time you need to service it.