Date:         Sat, 23 Jul 2005 23:21:33 -0500
Reply-To:     Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Stainless vs Copper exhaust nuts
Comments: To: Zoltan <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

A little thought should be extended on changing fasteners.
Stainless is often harder than standard steel fasteners and the expansion
coefficients are different.
Stainless fasteners can be more brittle or have less stretch than the
required steel fastener.
Stainless for some applications is good but I doubt that you've improved
much by going to all stainless on all engine fasteners.
And then you're still stuck with the same cylinder studs from standard heat
treated steel with rolled threads.
----------------------
Copper nuts from EMPI and BUG Pack are copper plated and not full copper.
Copper nuts would be too soft for a good dependable automotive fastener
unless it's used in plumbing or other such that demands the corrosion
resistance.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Zoltan" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 2:03 PM
Subject: Re: Stainless vs Copper exhaust nuts


> I ordered stainless steel from boltsandnuts.com enough bolts and nuts that
> will do it for every part of the engine.   Took the studs out and replaced
> them with SS bolts too.
> Washers too.  Used anti seize of course with them.  Grounded the whole
> engine with the "loop" I make against any corrosion and electrolysis
inside
> and out.
> The best you can do.
> Zoltan
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Bange" <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 11:03 AM
> Subject: Stainless vs Copper exhaust nuts
>
>
> Other than the fact that the copper nuts are self-locking and
> stainless aren't, is there any reason one is preferrable over the
> other for the exhaust system? How about stainless vs regular carbon
> steel for the bolts into the head?