...from the hardware store to bolt the aluminum 3x2 intake back on my 283? I know about the galling and the anti-seize (though I seem to be finding conflicting info on that as well.) What do you say???
Most SS bolts are actually grade 2 but that is better the most hardware store grade -1 bolts. And yes, antiseize is your friend. Some of the better bolt stores offer a SS flat washer with a rubber gasket bonded to it, great for some engines where oil can "wick" up the bolt and on the intake, for example, I just built a 390 Ford for my new project and discovered they are a "wick" engine and I used those washers and it works great!
Dissimilar metals can always be problematic but a good antiseize like Swagelok's Silver Goop or ARP's paste can help alleviate. Most fasteners sold by hardware stores are 18-8,(304) and the tensile strength is nearing grade 5. 316 stainless will have more corrosion resistance and are great for marine environments.
Minimal tensile strength on a 18-8 1/4" HHCS should be 100,000 - 125,000 psi minimum, grade 2 would only be 74K.
Keep in mind torque. I ran a SS bolt kit on the Touring. the intake bolts took several heat/cool cycles before they held a steady torque. I think I tightened them 3 or 4 times?
Would it help if you ran a die over the SS bolts just to clean them up and reduce possibility of galling? Try one along with anti seize and see if you notice a difference. Don't over torque.
Actually, simular metals gall together and dis-simular not so much. Can it happen, yes, but less likely. That said, I would use grade 5 or 8 bolts, if you want shiney, get them plated.
Thanks for all the quick replies. I like the idea of the rubber-backed washers and was thinking about something like that last night. Trent, the torque was actually the main reason I asked the question. I thought I'd get a lot more "no's" then "yes's"! Please continue...
For engine dress I use the stainless hex-heads which I sand smooth, then buff. I've not had any problems with torque or galling. I buy them at a local fastener store and I'm sure they're the cheapest Chinese ones on the market.
SS intake bolts will work just fine with anti seize on an intake. There really is not that big a load on these bolts. Suspension bolts are a different kettle of fish. Stay away from SS bolts for heavy load situations. I bought SS bolts, lock washers and nuts for the rear spreader bar on my Deuce. I did not use the anti-seize. Yeah one side seized up before it got tight. It wont go on and it won't come off. SS bolts are not paper mache but they are not grade 8 bolts either. Just think about the load on the bolts before you make your selection.
You won't get any appreciable reaction with 18-8 and cast iron. They can run as low as 74ksi tensile strength, but the torque is fairly low on intake hardware. Agree with using garden-variety never seize on them. Bob
Haha! Yup, I started putting it back together last night. I spent the morning at the swap meet and now Ima get back out to the shop!
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