Questions about exhaust studs

[Skaat]

Hello wise gurus of the GS. I'm replacing all the exhaust bolts on my 81 gs650 GL with hardened steel studs. My question is this: does it make sense, or would it be advisable (or NOT advisable) to use some sort of thread-lock compound on the portion of the studs that thread into the cylinder head, and to use anti-seize compound on the portion where the nuts thread onto the studs?

[Adler]

If im not mistaken, the heat of the engine makes threadlock useless, most people, including myself, use anti-seize.

[Nessism]

I'd use anti-seize on the studs, both ends. I've heard Napa sells a kit but the studs may be too short if you have an aftermarket exhaust.

[Agemax]

replace the studs with stainless allen bolts, and plenty of anti sieze

[chuck hahn]

i replaced all the bolts on my bikes with 2 inch long stainless steel stud and stainless lock washers and nuts. If for any reason they should get stuck on its real easy to use a nut splitter and peel the offending nut off in a matter of minutes and youll never have to worry about a bolt snapping in the head ever again.

[Hammered]

replace the studs with stainless allen bolts, and plenty of anti sieze

Yup. Best way to go.

[Coolshaft]

Head studs are the way to go.
If you need to take off the exhaust pipes/headers then all you do is undo the nuts holding the pipes on and you do not disturb/wear out the aluminium tread of the cylider head.
bolting down exhaust systems with bolts into aloy is BADJuJU

[chuck hahn]

I agree with that analasis as well Coolshaft..only so many times that aluminum is gonna take the steel running in and out..It only takes once to cross thread it a little and your in trouble up to your keister!!!

[tkent02]

Head studs are the way to go.
If you need to take off the exhaust pipes/headers then all you do is undo the nuts holding the pipes on and you do not disturb/wear out the aluminium tread of the cylider head.
bolting down exhaust systems with bolts into aloy is BADJuJU

Studs are good. Bolts are bad. Suzuki was cheap back in the day.
Anti-seize is good.
Stainless gets brittle with heat cycles.

[Skaat]

Thanks for all the input. still not sure what to think of the differing opinions about stainless vs. hardened steel, though. Since I already bought the HS (and in lieu of tkent's comments) I think I'll stick with the HS rather than the SS.

-Skaat

[chuck hahn]

difference is stainless wont rust or corrode and hardened steel will..its the rust and corrosion that causes the bolts to get stuck in the heads and snap off in there..if one snaps on you your gonna be really pizzed!!!

[Skaat]

Hadn't thought of that. good point. what about the previous comment about stainless getting brittle w/ heat cycles?

[chuck hahn]

have had them on my bikes for 3 yeras now and they are just fine.

[Skaat]

One more question: what exact product(s) am i looking for when I go to get "Anti-Seize" compund for the studs?

[Suzuki_Don]

I have stainless steel inserts in my head and I plan to crack the exhaust bolts loose and retighten them every three months or so to prevent seizing. Should only take 10 minutes to do so. Just another task to add to the servicing schedule. Or maybe every time I do a valve adjustment.