Engine bolts opinions?

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hondaror
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Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#16 Post by hondaror » Fri May 19, 2017 7:13 pm

I'm with T.RexRacing on this one. SS is brittle and will not age well with the heat cycles. Also whenever using dissimilar metals, always put a layer of something between the two metals, on the threads and any shaft, like antisieze.
They probably will work just fine, especially if the engine is periodically worked on. Personally, as a mechanic, I do as little work as possible. Doesn't do it for me.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

Hooligan
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Location: Calgary, Alberta

Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#17 Post by Hooligan » Fri May 19, 2017 9:25 pm

I'm no mechanic but my experience with SS is under conditions that are orders of magnitude more challenging than any internal combustion engine is capable of. We are talking repeated cycles well in excess of 1000 F and huge pressures on the order of 5000 to 10,000 psi at the same time. These are pulsating pressures involving supersonic shockwaves and repeated temp cycles. Never seen a failure due to the brittleness of the material.

A 2-stroke engine operates at around 90-100 F and around 200 psi? Thus I wouldn't ever worry about using a SS head bolt.

The issue with anti-seize is that anything lubricating will alter the applied torque. Just something to be aware of.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

hondaror
Posts: 2828
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Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#18 Post by hondaror » Sat May 20, 2017 2:00 am

I don't think there is a failure rate involved, like you say Peter, not high stress. I pull many old bikes apart and the corrosion I see daily is rather disturbing. You are on top of your bike and keep them all looking great. You are a very dedicated enthusiast. It wouldn't be a good idea for me to experiment with. I'm likely to unopen my bikes for ten plus years at a time. I don't think that's a good combo for me based on my past with bikes. "Don't fix what ain't broke". I'm not a fiddler once I have it running the way I like.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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two-stroke-brit
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Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#19 Post by two-stroke-brit » Mon May 22, 2017 2:03 pm

its all about which grade of stainless being used.
mark
350LC,Athena 392 big bore,stock porting,swiss cheese air box,stock reeds,spec11 pipes.(now TSA big bore pipes)
She might not be pretty but she will always be a fun ride


1982 YAMA RD350LC
98KDX 220R
1967 TRIUMPH TIGER
2001 TRIUMPH TT600

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Smoker
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Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#20 Post by Smoker » Mon May 22, 2017 2:31 pm

Been using stainless hardware on 3 different RZ350s for about 30 years.

Lots of the stainless hardware I'm using now is from a purchase that long ago.

Most of it still looks new. Never had one stainless bolt fail.

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T.RexRacing
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Re: Engine bolts opinions?

#21 Post by T.RexRacing » Mon May 22, 2017 2:50 pm

Just my preference. Didn't intend to start a pissing match.
There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad.
Salvador Dali

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