Plating the Through-bolts, yes or no?

[Alan.UK]

Hi,

I have read about how you should not plate items which are put under load, unless they are specially heated after plating process. If that is the case, I take it plating the Through-bolts is a bad idea!!

Any advice

Alan.UK

[Henry Schmidt]

We have been plating case through bolts for 20 years, hundreds of engines with no negative results.
26-28 lbs does not represent a large amount of torque on a 10 mm bolt.

[Jim Sims]

When processing higher strength components a good plating shop will do a post plating "bakeout" to remove the embrittling hydrogen. Also, in some instances plating will reduce the fatigue strength of a part. If Henry has been doing it for some time then this last point likely doesn't apply to the through case bolts - probably because they do not operate anywhere near their fatigue life limit.

[Alan.UK]

Henry and Jim thanks for the info. While you are here Henry, can I also ask what you do with internal nuts and parts, such as cam nuts and sprockets, do you also plate those or just get them blasted clean.

Thanks