deliriousga

I want to get new stainless steel bolts for part of the exaust system to replace the badly rusted ones that I just took off. The question is can stainless bolts take the heat? Will they be ok used in this application? They would be placed where the air injection/exaust meets the manifold pipes (3 bolts left & 3 bolts right) and where the collars hold everything together down the line (the part you have to remove to get the clutch out).

Thanks!

GlenL

Excellent question.

My initial reaction is "no." Stainless isn't as strong as regular steel bolts and can become extra brittle after heat cycling. However, my info may be old and out-of-date.

In my experience, I remove the exhaust every year and often just because I enjoy laying under my a big German dominatrix...but I digress.

I've gone with regular bolts and slathered them with anti-seize. No trouble getting the apart again a year later. In fact, I noticed yesterday that one nut had fallen off.

Stainless might be nice. I'd go with regular bolts. Those are fairly small bolts and are nicely snappable if the nuts do weld on. Go grade 5 to make that easier.

Garth S

Information overload - warning - overload!
Not to reveal any preferences, I've had the same 3/8" SS bolts with the ovalized type SS locknuts in my '80 for at least 12 years ( at the header flanges) - and through a few removals.
As Glen says, lay on the anti-seize, and either will work. If you do use steel, it can help if you find bronze nuts ( maybe copper or brass) for exhaust service.