TR2/3/3A The steel head stud washers?

[karls59tr]

I installed the head gasket today. i was missing a couple of steel flat washers so I installed these and torqued the head down. They are made of yellow zink but are the same thickness as the missing ones. How much of a mistake is this and is it going to come back and bite me on the ass?

 

[Bristol401]

I would assume they are zinc coated steel. Some head bolt washers are grade 8, so the ones you substituted may be softer.

 

[CJD]

For head bolts or other important fasteners I request "hardened and ground" The hardening ensures they are as hard as your bolts and will not compress over time, and the ground ensures they are absolutely flat, so they carry the bolt load evenly to the head surface. If you already used those washers, then I would not go to the trouble to change them out...just be sure to check the torque a couple times to ensure they are holding tension. A softer washer is still better than none at all.

 

[Sarastro]

In my experience, grade 8 hardware is usually zinc chromated, and lesser hardware is not. So, the washers you used are likely grade 8 anyway.

 

[karls59tr]

In my experience, grade 8 hardware is usually zinc chromated, and lesser hardware is not. So, the washers you used are likely grade 8 anyway.

Just saw this post after responding to your first post. So this washer should be OK in your opinion?

 

[Bristol401]

Most bolts, nuts and washers are Zinc coated, no matter what grade they are. Yes, Grade 8 does often have that yellow color, but anyone can buy a zinc chromate kit on the internet. That color does not indicate any specific alloy. Check ARP for quality grade 8 hardware.

 

[Sarastro]

I'm quite aware of this. I do zinc plating (plus other metals) and chromate conversion. I don't use a kit; I use electrochemistry.

Zinc Plating

 

[Bristol401]

I'm quite aware of this. I do zinc plating (plus other metals) and chromate conversion. I don't use a kit; I use electrochemistry.

Zinc Plating

All Plating, Anodizing etc. is electrochemical.