Exhaust bolts

[bwringer]

You MUST use a dab of anti-seize any time you're using stainless fasteners into aluminum.

On exhaust bolts, nail polish, thread lock, or other chemicals won't work because of the heat. I use SS allen head bolts with SS lock washers (and about a gallon of anti-sieze each). I've never had any problems with the bolts loosening or siezing.

Safety wiring would be the only certain way to keep the exhaust bolts in place. However, I'd hate to have to drill all those tiny holes in that hard SS.

[bwringer]

My advice is to look for a "321" grade of (austenitic) stainless hardware when shopping for it. It may take more than a stop at Home depot or the local hardware store.

McMaster-Carr ( http://ww.mcmaster.com ) lists 18-8 and 316 stainless for their stainless metric fasteners. Another source for metric stainless goodies is http://www.mmsacc-stainless.com . All their hardware is 18-8 stainless.

Does anyone have some other good sources for stainless metric hardware?

[rant]
I've never understood why it's so ^%^&$#! difficult to find metric hardware in the states -- it's been something like 30 years since the US auto makers switched to all metric. But browse McMaster-Carr, any industrial supplier, or just your corner hardware store, and they're full of inch fasteners and tools and everything is specified in inches. Other than Hardley-Ablesons, lawn mowers, and 1960's muscle cars, who needs this stuff? Is anyone buying it? Down at my cornerr hardware store, I notice that the drawers full of fancy chrome hardware are always full, while the pitiful selection of metric bolts is always empty...
[/rant]

[JayH]

You MUST use a dab of anti-seize any time you're using stainless fasteners into aluminum.

On exhaust bolts, nail polish, thread lock, or other chemicals won't work because of the heat. I use SS allen head bolts with SS lock washers (and about a gallon of anti-sieze each). I've never had any problems with the bolts loosening or siezing.

Safety wiring would be the only certain way to keep the exhaust bolts in place. However, I'd hate to have to drill all those tiny holes in that hard SS.

I like the sounds of the gallon bucket of antisieze. Good advice!