Stainless Manifold Bolts?

[Mitch D]

Getting my '37 B about all together and wondering about using stainless bolts to hold the manifold on. Don't know why it wouldn't work but just don't think I've ever seen any before....

 

[FBH44]

Tensile strength is inferior, only a fraction of a hard steel bolt or stud.

 

[MSM]

As was said tensile strength is inferior,when torqued the threads tend to stretch and seize in place making removal almost impossible. Add numerous heat/cool cycles and there is a good possibility they will snap off.

 

[tim s]

I agree with the others,, sounds like a good idea but it's not...I have came across some turbos held on with stainless bolts most twist off on the way out...

 

[Ben.So.Tex]

I say DO NOT use them..I used stainless steel bolts and nuts on my exhaust pipe. I will never use them again. They will not turn loose, I play hell trying to get them off.

 

[coonie minnie]

The threads into the head are slightly different than bolt threads, so to get them to seal (remember there is coolant on the other side), you need to use the correct studs rather than bolts.

 

[David G]

Stainless on stainless will gall pretty easy, I would use what everyone else does.

 

[IowaJohn]

I think my 4455 has stainless holding the turbo. I know they're still shiny after 25 yrs.

 

[ObsoElitist]

(quoted from post at 05:48:21 09/06/15) I agree with the others,, sounds like a good idea but it's not...I have came across some turbos held on with stainless bolts most twist off on the way out...

Porsche used titanium, and they would occasionally snap.
Use steel, and if you can find brass nuts, thats Ok but unless they are the really tall ones they can only handle 2/3 the torque of steel.

 

[DR. EVIL]

There are types of stainless steel bolts that are stronger than carbon or alloy steel, but you ain't EVER going to find them at a hardware store, and most specialty bolt suppliers like Fastenal will deny anything exists.

Company I used to work for machined their own studs from 17-4 PH H900 stainless steel bar, over 200,000 psi tensile strength. They were 1-1/4" diameter.

OEM studs or grade 8 bolts will work the best. Most hardware store stainless hardware is 18-8 SS, a little stronger than grade #1 or #2, but much weaker than grade #5.

 

[D-]

If you're doing a good job on your tractor chances are you
won't still be alive when it needs to come down again.
Use the same hardware as original.

 

[David G]

You have to use a dissimilar allow nuts or they will gall.

 

[bcoolio]

I have seen people use aluminum locknuts on those studs before. Cat does that sometimes.

 

[tim s]

That is a cold hard Fact D-

 

[BushogPapa]

Use Hard Steel bolts with abundant amount of Anti-Seize..

Ron..

 

[ObsoElitist]

For many of the reasons given above, I always use anti-sieze on exhaust hardware, and all stainless too. Even if you are not around, the next guy will thank you.