SS socket bolts for carbs?

[exzachtly1]

So I am rebuilding my carbs, and I had seen a suggestion of replacing the screws with SS socket type screws (hex). I decided to go for this and ordered the screws from mcmaster-carr; got them for the the float bowls, caps, top rail, and bottom rail....

Being a novice mechanic I decided to read about the use of SS screws in aluminum parts and there seem to be varying opinions; some say that they are better because they're easier to get off, don't rust, look better, etc. while others say that they are prone to getting stuck because of the differences in the metals. I plan to use anti-seize to combat this.

Please someone educate me on this; hoping I didn't make the wrong choice in spending 35 bucks on SS fasteners (they were only available on mcmaster-carr in packs of 25; I needed 4 different sizes). I just don't want to introduce any NEW problems down the line. Hoping I didn't waste my money

Edit: obviously meant "screws" in the thread title but it won't let me change it.

[Guest]

There is no practical reason not to use the SS screws in aluminum, or as in the case of carbs, pot metal. The difference is not so great as to cause any real world dielectric problems. If you have ever tried using a stainless bolt in a stainless thread of the same hardness, then you know of a real problem, the threads can easily gall.

[Agemax]

a dab of anti seize on each bolt/screw and you will have no problems.you could have got them much cheaper than that by the way. Z1 or cycleorings ( i think) do specific kits with just the right amount for a set of carbs.

[loud et]

some guys on here have said they didnt even use anti seize and never had a problem, others have said even with anti seize, it became a disaster with stuck fasteners. The majority will just say use the never seize and it will be fine. the chemical reaction between the differing metals causes "cold welding" 'I think they call it. fused/seriuosly stuck. lol
I did the whole engine in ss fasteners and used the anti seize. I am not gonna worry about it. It supposedly just gives a barrier between the two metals from touching/fusing.
on the other note, ss fasteners by the peice are very expensive if bought at the wrong place.
I have always wanted to try a few bags of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280-Qty-STAINLESS-ALLEN-BOLTS-KIT-SUZUKI-GS-1200-SS-/150595954779?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item231037e85b

they have a variety of these bags for cheap. all could be easily polished for a nice shine. not sure of quality.

[GateKeeper]

I changed almost each and every bolt with a SS Steel Allen head bolt, you can see here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1591887&postcount=668

[Guest]

So I am rebuilding my carbs, and I had seen a suggestion of replacing the screws with SS socket type screws (hex). I decided to go for this and ordered the screws from mcmaster-carr; got them for the the float bowls, caps, top rail, and bottom rail....

Being a novice mechanic I decided to read about the use of SS screws in aluminum parts and there seem to be varying opinions; some say that they are better because they're easier to get off, don't rust, look better, etc. while others say that they are prone to getting stuck because of the differences in the metals. I plan to use anti-seize to combat this.

Please someone educate me on this; hoping I didn't make the wrong choice in spending 35 bucks on SS fasteners (they were only available on mcmaster-carr in packs of 25; I needed 4 different sizes). I just don't want to introduce any NEW problems down the line. Hoping I didn't waste my money

Edit: obviously meant "screws" in the thread title but it won't let me change it.

That is what I'm doing with my carbs, though I got mine from my local Fastenal store. Got them individually cost was around $15 for everything.

[bwringer]

FWIW, the alloy that GS carburetors are made from is mostly zinc.

I've never had a problem with using SS socket head cap screws in carbs. Just don't over-torque them and you'll be fine without anti-sieze. (And guess what most anti-sieze is made from...?)

[exzachtly1]

Cool I'll just do it then. Thanks for the info. Gatekeeper, that looks really nice, excited to see mine come together.

I was going to do individual screws from fastenal, but then realized that mcmaster has a place right in Cleveland. I wanted them this weekend so I pulled the trigger. Can't hurt to have some extras right?

Next time I will look for better prices, I just want to get these carbs DONE!

[GateKeeper]

Thanks....

Have a look here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=195958

I changed the carb caps to polished aluminum ones with the SS bolts, looks even better now....




.

[Guest]

I like the springs over the hoses. Where did you find those GK? Those didn't come stock right?

[GateKeeper]

Well I don't know if they are stock, but I do think so....They have been on the bike ever since I have had it, the best part is it does not allow the hose to kink, so it will not cut off air or fuel....

[exzachtly1]

Well I don't know if they are stock, but I do think so....They have been on the bike ever since I have had it, the best part is it does not allow the hose to kink, so it will not cut off air or fuel....

My bike has those too.