Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Stainless engine bolts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-12-2015, 03:30 PM
just plain john's Avatar
just plain john
just plain john is offline
Elite HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pasadena TX
Posts: 3,783
Received 97 Likes on 78 Posts
Default Stainless engine bolts

I'm thinking of replacing my exposed engine fasteners with stainless in the coming winter season. After searching around, this looks like a likely choice: https://alloyboltz.com/catalog/produ...bjbstdosubf935 I have a couple of questions I hope someone with actual hands on use can answer. The kit is offered in a 12 point, Grade 8 variety as well. Is there some advantage to a 12 point head vs allen head? Is Grade 8 really needed in place of non Grade 8 fasteners? Also, use of never seize is recommended but how does that effect torque values, or does it matter?
 
  #2  
Old 10-12-2015, 03:54 PM
bagman1's Avatar
bagman1
bagman1 is offline
Elite HDF Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 4,997
Received 51 Likes on 49 Posts
Default

I have them on my bike, for the last 3 really. Most of the grade 8 they sell are ARP brand, theyre American made. You will never have an issue stripping out a torx or allen again, but you will need to carry 12 point sockets in your tool kit.
I have a Matco 1/4" set as well as universals that dont take up much room. I changed every exposed bolt on the bike except for the handlebar switches in polished SS.
The instructions say to use never seeze or blue locktite on installation, as far as the coefficient of friction you are referring to, I dont see it as an issue because all the OEM bolts came with lock patch on installation, then that is factored in.
It can get expensive, but it sure looks classy and clean. I flipped a RK a couple years ago and put a set of them on the cases, the buyer told be thats what sold him on the bike, it was a clean look.
The best part is they wont rust or oxidize.
 
  #3  
Old 10-12-2015, 04:12 PM
just plain john's Avatar
just plain john
just plain john is offline
Elite HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pasadena TX
Posts: 3,783
Received 97 Likes on 78 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bagman1
The best part is they wont rust or oxidize.
Yeah, that's the appeal. So you didn't do anything differently torque wise? And did you personally use loctite or never seize?
 
  #4  
Old 10-12-2015, 04:34 PM
bagman1's Avatar
bagman1
bagman1 is offline
Elite HDF Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 4,997
Received 51 Likes on 49 Posts
Default

No,
Last bike I used NSeeze, this one I used blue locktite. Just be sure you clean the holes out from oil and old locktite. I break-clean the holes out and chase the holes. Im ****.
 
  #5  
Old 10-12-2015, 05:31 PM
GTK's Avatar
GTK
GTK is offline
Ultimate HDF Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 6,662
Received 579 Likes on 414 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bagman1
No,
Last bike I used NSeeze, this one I used blue locktite. Just be sure you clean the holes out from oil and old locktite. I break-clean the holes out and chase the holes. Im ****.
Your not ****,your just doing the job correctly in my opinion.
 
  #6  
Old 10-12-2015, 05:45 PM
jefla's Avatar
jefla
jefla is offline
Road Master
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: washington dc
Posts: 1,170
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Bagman hit the nail on the head "it can get expensive, but it sure looks classy and clean."

I did this to my 09 SG, mostly using fasteners from Diamond Engineering, http://www.depss.com/

I studied the anti-seize v. thread locker question and ended up using Loctite 243, which is blue (medium) and designed for mismatched metals and, in particular, for use with stainless steel. I suggest comparing the length of the replacement bolt to the old fastener, piece by piece, and seriously consider not using anything that's not the same. I would use a longer fastener only after being very sure there's enough depth. Also, clean out the threaded holes, as bagman said. I used q-tips: running them in over and over until I was sure there was nothing in there. I've heard terrible stories about folks knocking out the backside of aluminum housings because the fastener was too long or the hole was full of junk.

You'll be happy you did this.
 
  #7  
Old 10-12-2015, 05:57 PM
just plain john's Avatar
just plain john
just plain john is offline
Elite HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pasadena TX
Posts: 3,783
Received 97 Likes on 78 Posts
Default

Yeah, I checked Drag Specialties and they carry Diamond Engineering products. I was leaning towards alloyboltz mostly because they're cheaper, and many people have used them with good results.
 
  #8  
Old 10-12-2015, 06:27 PM
Tinman265's Avatar
Tinman265
Tinman265 is offline
Road Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oswego, IL
Posts: 959
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I used 6 pt ARP stainless. Love the look. Spent a bunch of money..... Lots more than the $106 the kit your looking at but its worth it to me.

Later I did find a place that sells the ARP bolts individually but I cannot find that web sight again.....
 
  #9  
Old 10-12-2015, 06:34 PM
HighLiner's Avatar
HighLiner
HighLiner is offline
Road Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,321
Received 32 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

I speak from personal experience, don't buy the cheaper of the Alloy Boltz kits unless you never plan to take them out. I use high quality allen bits and still have stripped out the hex on the cheaper kit.
 
  #10  
Old 10-12-2015, 06:35 PM
just plain john's Avatar
just plain john
just plain john is offline
Elite HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pasadena TX
Posts: 3,783
Received 97 Likes on 78 Posts
Default

Alloyboltz advertises using ARP stainless, and i believe you can buy singles from them if you like.
 


Quick Reply: Stainless engine bolts



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:40 PM.