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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Firewalker on September 02, 2010, 06:57:18 PM

Title: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: Firewalker on September 02, 2010, 06:57:18 PM
Hey there,
    I have been reading about anything from helicoiling to anti seize etc.  I think I am going the stud route on the exhaust bolts.  I have yet to try to remove one of the bolts though one is either vibrated out (yeah right) or snapped off.  I don't have a leak at this point but I planned on dropping the headers and painting them while I am welding the new exhaust on.  I am sure I could wipe on some of the products discussed but being able to rotate the pipe on the bench for grinding should give me a better looking finished install.

So..... any recommendations for type of studs.....steel?  Stainless?  Chrome plated?

What is the size of these bolts?  Stock size that is?  I have read anywhere from 5-8mm.  This one might be good to put in the wiki because it comes up a lot it looks like.  I am ordering the gaskets and trying to round up all the goodies before I crack this thing loose.  If you installed studs would you still put anti seize compound on them?

Thanks in advance.

Be safe


Scott
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: jeremy_nash on September 02, 2010, 07:38:03 PM
I've removed my exhaust a number of time, at least 8 -9 times.  I have never had an issue with mine.  your mileage may vary however
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: Firewalker on September 02, 2010, 08:13:39 PM
I hope it goes well......there is only 10 k on mine......it's a 99........stored inside.  Cross ya fingers.
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: skirecs on September 02, 2010, 10:24:23 PM
exhaust header bolts are 8mm 1.25 pitch allen head, dunno length offhand

when i got my bike the inside two bolts were missing, i was fearing they were snapped off in the block, but the bores were empty and everything turned out well
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: black and silver twin on September 02, 2010, 11:02:51 PM
use stainless, that way the nuts dont rust on and it will look good to boot!
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: Firewalker on September 03, 2010, 05:47:48 AM
Quote from: skirecs on September 02, 2010, 10:24:23 PM
exhaust header bolts are 8mm 1.25 pitch allen head, dunno length offhand

when i got my bike the inside two bolts were missing, i was fearing they were snapped off in the block, but the bores were empty and everything turned out well

Thanks for the sizing..... I hope that mine are just gone too!!!   :cheers:
Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: sledge on September 03, 2010, 06:40:06 AM
Quote from: black and silver twin on September 02, 2010, 11:02:51 PM
use stainless, that way the nuts dont rust on and it will look good to boot!

Stainless?  :icon_eek:

I wouldnt, stainless is nowhere near as strong as the original hi-tensile items and the nuts tend to gall and pick up on the threads.

Use zinc (or chrome plated if you can find them) hi-tensile manifold studs and nuts  :thumb: They are available in standard lengths/threads.....try a custom shop or car exhaust dealer.

http://www.namrick.co.uk/acatalog/trigers.html



Title: Re: Exhaust bolts to studs.....Input needed
Post by: black and silver twin on September 03, 2010, 09:54:27 AM
My header bolts are stainless, they've been on there a few years now and have been removed like 10 times with absolutely no problems. They dont need to be the worlds strongest bolts, the torque spec on them is less than 20-lb/ft. also stainless handles heat very well and wont rust.

But which ever material you do use, always put anti-seize compound on the threads. It will keep them from breaking off from freezing to the heads and it will keep them from galling the aluminum threads in the heads.