New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

[MortenH]

Hello all.<br /><br />Does anybody know if the bolts on the covers (Water Jacket Cover, Exhaust manifoil cover, Cylinder block cover) are made of stainless steel, or ather corroless steel? The local Merc dealer must be a millionaire - he wants $3 to $4 a piece, so I was wondering if std. bolts correct size will do the job.<br /><br />-M-

 

[erniex]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

Yes the bolts are stainless. Try a hardware store or auto parts house. I would not use standard steel bolts due to corrosion issues. Stick with the stainless.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

They are 5/16 bolts , 18 pitch, amd I'm not sure of the length, measure an old one and don't count the head.<br /><br />-W

 

[MortenH]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

Thanks!<br />Does anybody know the dimensions, so that I call my hardware store to know if they have them in stock? <br /><br />-M-

 

[jheron]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

my 76 l6 has grade 3 bolts on the cover and manifold and are not SS they are coated. When I replaced them I used the same type for the the iner exhaust baffle because SS are softer and you would not want one to let go in there! For the outer water jacket I wouldn't wory about hardness <br />Jon

 

[MortenH]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

Thanks<br /><br />But now another question for the pro's:<br />I have seen som discussion of reusing the connecting rod screw. I have the type that screws directly into the connecting rod, and in the discussions I have seen, the recommandation is to use new. Is this just a precaution, or have anybody experienced that theese bolts actually snaps off, leaving a mess in the engine. According to the local Merc mec, theese screws can be reused 3 times. <br /><br />-M-

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

Close call. Mercury (and Myself) reccomend replacing them every time. <br /><br />That said, if it was not re-used before and you use locktite red on it and torque to 180 and NO more. Odds are 99-1 you'll be OK.<br /><br />-W

 

[MortenH]

Re: New bolts for covers - 1984 merc 115 I6

Hmmmm, odds 99-1, I bet I am the one -with my well known bad luck. <br />I think I will follow your advice and replace them. Thats another $50, but considering the job and money if one bolt fails... Good investment.<br /><br />-M-