Anti-seize on Valve Cover Bolts and/or Timing Belt Cover Bolts?
Anti-seize on Valve Cover Bolts and/or Timing Belt Cover Bolts?
Is it wise to put some anti-seize on those long bolts that attach the valve covers and the timing belt covers?
- DenverWinger
- Posts: 1706
- Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:20 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
- Motorcycle: (s)
1980 GL1100 STD Vetter (2005-)
1993 GL1500 Aspencade (2017-)
1983 Trav-Lite Camper (2010-)
Past rides
1972 CL350 (1980-1988) sold
1978 Suzuki GS550 (1985-2005) sold
1977 GL1000 (2002-2006) sold
Re: Anti-seize on Valve Cover Bolts and/or Timing Belt Cover Bolts?
Shouldn't need it.
Having said that, if you had one of them be particularly stubborn to remove I'd use it on that bolt. It may want to "re-seize"
Having said that, if you had one of them be particularly stubborn to remove I'd use it on that bolt. It may want to "re-seize"
♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫
♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪
~Mark
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫

♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪

~Mark
- WingAdmin
- Site Admin
- Posts: 21673
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:16 pm
- Location: Strongsville, OH
- Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500 SE
1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (sold)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 (wife's!)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Re: Anti-seize on Valve Cover Bolts and/or Timing Belt Cover Bolts?
Something to keep in mind when using anti-seize (or thread lock) compound, or any other substance on threaded fasteners: torque values, unless otherwise specified, are for dry fasteners. Torque is derived from a combination of friction of the threads, friction of the bolt head against the surface, and stretching of the bolt. Add any kind of compound to the threads, and the friction is vastly reduced. This means you will actually stretch the bolt further before an indicated torque value is achieved.
Basically, the same level of "tightness" (from bolt stretch) is achieved at a lower indicated torque value. It's quite possible that a bolt that tightens normally to 40 ft-lb, could FAIL at a lower torque value when a thread lock or anti-seize compound is applied to the threads. You could also end up exceeding the strength of the threads, so you could get to 35 ft-lb indicated, and end up stripping out the bolt hole.
So if you are putting any kind of compound on the threads, the general rule of thumb is to reduce the torque applied by 25%. So that 40 ft-lb fastener would be considered fully tightened at 30 ft-lb when anti-seize is applied to its threads.
Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!
Basically, the same level of "tightness" (from bolt stretch) is achieved at a lower indicated torque value. It's quite possible that a bolt that tightens normally to 40 ft-lb, could FAIL at a lower torque value when a thread lock or anti-seize compound is applied to the threads. You could also end up exceeding the strength of the threads, so you could get to 35 ft-lb indicated, and end up stripping out the bolt hole.
So if you are putting any kind of compound on the threads, the general rule of thumb is to reduce the torque applied by 25%. So that 40 ft-lb fastener would be considered fully tightened at 30 ft-lb when anti-seize is applied to its threads.
Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!