316 Stainless steel nuts

[4sd911]

I have a bag of 8mm 316 stainless steel nuts and 18-8 stainless wave washers thinking of using them on the cam towers. Any problem using these? Is this type of stainless up to the task? How does it compare to the standard steel grade 8?

[ix0ifan]

I wouldn't do it as there is no real reason for changing the stock parts.

Also 18/8 has more than one problem in this type of application.

The first is that they are not really strong enough, the second is that 18/8 stainless does have a tendancy gall and the third is that the coefficient of expansion differs to the steel studs or bolts.

I think these three issues would combine and lead to problems and just isn't worth the risk.

[stownsen914]

I'd worry most about the different rate of expansion, possibly skewing the desired torque when the engine is hot. Personally I'd just go with the steel nuts - you can be sure that will work.

Scott

[4sd911]

I vetoed the stainless nuts. Man what a time trying to find good steel nuts. Napa was out, the hardware store said there metric nuts weren't of auto grade even though they are marked with an 8, the only place that had them were your basic auto store in 5 packs at $2.30 that a bit expensive when you need 40 of them & they are made in china, plus they were marked the same as the hardware store's. McMaster has them in but I'd bet they are made in china as well. I may call Wurth and see what they have. For now I just reused the old ones.

[lucittm]

4,
Send me your bag of washers and nuts. I have no problem using them at all. I will pay shipping and what ever they originally cost you.

Mark Lucitt
2604 Alvey Drive
Haymarket, VA 20169-1204

Thanks,
Mark