Topic: Stainless steel bolts

[amitr0]

I want to upgrade all the engine cover case hardware with stainless steel alan bolts.

What grade of steel should i look for?

Also, where do I source such bolts, the threading is mostly 1 mm but the sizes vary, is there a kit available for this?

This is for a '76 cb550k.

[BenelliSEI]

Check EBay.com. Kits usually available there.

[minimo]

Take caution when using stainless steel fasteners with aluminum parts because of the galling that can occur between the soft/hard metals. A common practice that I’ve learned is to Helicoil the aluminum threaded holes and use zinc-plated steel screws.
Any engineers out there to confirm?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BenelliSEI]

I just coat them in antisieze. The real issue is they are very easy to over torque. I always use a 1/4 drive ratchet and snug them up very gently. They don’t need much at all to stay tight (how much torque can you really generate with a JIS screwdriver? Probably why Honda used them in the first place).

[CycleRanger]

I just coat them in antisieze. The real issue is they are very easy to over torque. I always use a 1/4 drive ratchet and snug them up very gently. They don’t need much at all to stay tight (how much torque can you really generate with a JIS screwdriver? Probably why Honda used them in the first place).

Yes, I used stainless bolts on my XS650 with a little anti-seize.

[amitr0]

I just coat them in antisieze. The real issue is they are very easy to over torque. I always use a 1/4 drive ratchet and snug them up very gently. They don’t need much at all to stay tight (how much torque can you really generate with a JIS screwdriver? Probably why Honda used them in the first place).

The original screws are also not aluminum though? They are iron which is stronger than aluminum.

I  omay replacing with stainless steel JIS screws as well,, overtorqueing with JIS would be hard as you rightly mentioned.

[newday777]

Looks like Randakk offers a kit

https://www.randakks.com/bolt-set-cb550-k-thru-76.html

[markmyodb]

I was taught, during my engineering career, that stainless steel bolts are best for aluminum, always use some lubricant, and always torque to specification. Always make sure they will engage at least 2X the diameter of the screw, 12mm for a 6mm screw. I have found most of the tapped holes in the 750 and 550 cases will handle about 3X the diameter I am sensitive to the feel as I thread them.  If there is an increase torque required to thread the screw, I stop  and cut them down a few millimeters.  I make sure to chamfer the cut end to remove any r

Zinc plated screws corrode in the case as most of us can attest too when we remove those with an impact driver and find the white powder in the threads.  Takes a long time to corrode, but it is not good for easy removal after decades.

I was never taught to use a specific grade SS. Prefer to buy 316 grade stainless as they are readily available from McMaster Carr.

I put them in my 750K6 in 2008, no issue 13 years later when disassembled. 

[MauiK3]

Clean the holes with a good tap
Use a torque wrench to avoid over torque
Use a good high temp antiseize on all of them unless locktite is called for
The kits are usually good but check depth just in case, it’s easy to crack your casting
Be sure there is no liquid in the blind holes, you will surely break the casting if it’s got liquid in it
Use flat washers under the heads because most socket heads are smaller

[dave500]

as above poke and probe then blow clear the holes,theres often blobs of silicone and other debris stopping your screws from going as deep as they should,never torque a 6mm bolt just snug them down.

[flybackwards]

https://alloyboltz.com/

https://www.probolt-usa.com/

[Alan F.]

Nobody remembers the guy who practically invented these kits?

http://www.metrocast.net/~spillane/index_002.htm

[RAFster122s]

Definitely use washers every where you can and liberaluse of a good anti seize paste.

[Kevin D]

Gardner Westcott is not too far from here. I have never done any business there but it looks like they offer many varieties of Allen bolt kits.

[RAFster122s]

Some sellers have polished parts where there is no texture on the bolt head's circumference...if you prefer that look.