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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 01:53 PM
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Question Rusty Bolt

I thought stainless steel didn't rust... on the left side of my bike, just behind the primary (towards the inside of the engine block) there is a single bolt in there that is all rust. Is this typical of said bolt? (I know, I know, this thread is useless without pics... If needed, I will post one.) I'd like to know how to clean this up (cannot have rust on my Harley!) If I replace it, is this common in that it will just do it again? Will a chrome cap protect it?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by JT-FXDL
I thought stainless steel didn't rust... on the left side of my bike, just behind the primary (towards the inside of the engine block) there is a single bolt in there that is all rust. Is this typical of said bolt? (I know, I know, this thread is useless without pics... If needed, I will post one.) I'd like to know how to clean this up (cannot have rust on my Harley!) If I replace it, is this common in that it will just do it again? Will a chrome cap protect it?
Yep, stainless steel will corrode. It is just stain-less.
A completely rusted head on a stainless bolt is unusual however.
The discoloration you are seeing may be just a "patina" and not
corrosion.

Bluing and rust remover from a gun shop will remove the rust
but some discoloration will remain.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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A chrome cap will hid it (the rust)... I painted mine black.
 

Last edited by 08fxdf43202; Jun 23, 2011 at 05:01 PM.
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 08fxdf43202
A chrome cap will hid it (the rust)... I painted mine black.
What does that bolt go to? Is it easy to take out to clean up & paint?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 04:35 PM
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Stainless steel will rust. What makes you think the bolt is stainless? Check it w/ a magnet--bet it's chrome-plated steel.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 04:37 PM
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Battery leak?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by JT-FXDL
What does that bolt go to? Is it easy to take out to clean up & paint?
I don't know... I sprayed some rattle can paint into the cap and used a small brush.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by lo-rider
Stainless steel will rust. What makes you think the bolt is stainless? Check it w/ a magnet--bet it's chrome-plated steel.
It's not chrome though...
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by JT-FXDL
It's not chrome though...
Sorry, an assumption on my part, as the OP mistook it for stainless. There are many steel coatings and platings in everyday use. Anyway, most common stainless steels are virtually non-magnetic, thus EZ to ID w/ a magnet (my point). If the magnet easily attaches itself, then it's steel.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2011 | 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by lo-rider
Sorry, an assumption on my part, as the OP mistook it for stainless. There are many steel coatings and platings in everyday use. Anyway, most common stainless steels are virtually non-magnetic, thus EZ to ID w/ a magnet (my point). If the magnet easily attaches itself, then it's steel.
Oh, okay. I'll check it out. So if it's magnetic, it CAN rust?
 
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