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| | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | What is the exact diameter of the bolts that hold the side cover on, also, what length should they be?
Oh yeah, do I use a flat or lock washer?
Engine is a 51 216.
thanks. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | The original bolts are 1/4-20, by about 3/4". They had what is called a Pan head screw, shown in this link. They had a star washer attached in most years, although I have seen split washers attached on some years. I always include a flat washer to spread the load out farther.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
1/4x20 pan head screw - the classic stove bolt
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | Please don't be angry but I'm nitpicking here.
I'm an old aircraft wrench and and putting a flat washer between the lock washer and the metal you are attaching the fastener to is a no-no. The lock washer is suppose to bite into the metal of the fastener and the metal. If it bites into the flat washer and the flat washer turns the the lock washer and fastener will also turn.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Too funny!
Vibrating loose on a side cover has never been much of a problem.
I prefer to limit leaks over any backing off in this case.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | I usually insert some RTV silicone to keep such bolts tight, and not over tighten.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | Ok thanks everyone for the replies.
Brad. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,399 Gas Pumper | | Gas Pumper Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,399 | The idea of the flat washer in this particular case is how the non-reinforced hole tends to concave and then cause sealing issues from overtightening. Same reason we put reinforcing plates on valve covers. This principle works for most thin sheet metal on the engine. The oil pan also benefits from a flat washer on each of the 18 bolts for the same reason. Since we use gasket sealer on the gasket and the bolts, there is very little worry about them backing out. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,279 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,279 | I am with Beltfed on the flat washer deal, but only if you plan on flying an airplane with your Stovebolt engine!  On land, a tuned up Stovebolt doesn't vibrate enough to tell that it is running at idle, let alone vibrate a side cover bolt loose. BTW, I can only hope that someone who goes by the name of "Beltfed" has a good sense of humor, and realizes I'm just pulling his leg a little. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | I get it. Guys will do all sort of things to get around problems caused by themselves or PO's. Done it myself. I would however caution guys to pay more attention when a fastener is being used in a critical area like suspension, steering, etc. This would include things like using a grade 5 fastener in a grade 8 application.
"Beltfeds" are a class of firearms (machine gun) that use a belt to feed the gun ammo. My government let me borrow one to waste many thousand of dollars of ammo out the door of a Huey once upon a time. I now collect them as a second hobby, hence my handle.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 325 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 325 | When are star washers preferred over split washers? And vice versa.
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