Stainless steel bolt and washer question

[woodsietx]

I'm standing over my bike with a torque wrench in one hand and some anti-seize in the other and a question occurred to me. Should I be putting a washer on each bolt that goes into the bike? I'm putting stainless socket heads in place of the hex head and want to know before I tighten the bolts on the covers.

I'm currently bolting back on the valve cover. I've finger threaded one side and have stopped.

Woodsie

[Nessism]

I don't think you need washers, although they wouldn't hurt for use on the valve cover.

[woodsietx]

Thanks. I'll go with the don't need.

Woodsie

[Agemax]

up to you mate, as Nessism says. washers are ok to use but some places you cannot use them. just dont forget the copper grease!

[simon kuether]

I use them EVERYWHERE.Cheers , Simon.

[hampshirehog]

I use them EVERYWHERE.Cheers , Simon.

You Aussies do get around a bit....

[morpheus666]

Whats copper grease?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I'm not using washers on my valve cover. I am using hex head bolts, a Real Gasket, and thread sealer (NOT thread locker).

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Agemax]

Whats copper grease?

anti seize compound, vital when using stainless bolts in aluminium

[jwhelan65]

anti seize compound, vital when using stainless bolts in aluminium

Locktite C5

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=723099&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=657

[sparki]

anything with the word loctite on it always seems way more expensive than anything else.... any old cheap copper grease will do the same thing and cost a damn site less imho... car spares shop and no-name brand gets my vote, bigger tube for less ££

[morpheus666]

Thanks, I didn't know about needing to use that with stainless steel and aluminium. I guess I have some work to repeat!

[woodsietx]

I went ahead and left off the washers unless there was already a washer on the stock bolt. I've been using a copper compound anti-seize on every bolt going back into the engine. Guess I'll find out the wisdom of no washers once I get it running.

I do appreciate the advice. I'm (finger and thumb extended together) this close to having it done.

Woodsie

[simon kuether]

Thanks, I didn't know about needing to use that with stainless steel and aluminium. I guess I have some work to repeat!

You should use some type of lube on any stainless nuts or bolts as the threads will "bind"if they are done up tight.I use a high temp nickel based antisieze on everything.Makes working on the bike a pleasure if you don't have to fight every nut and bolt . Cheers , Simon.