Restoring an old engine; hardware related questions inside

[BigB9000]

Just like the title says.

Its a combination of a 1968, 1971, and 1977 6hp

I took the entire thing apart (except the powerhead) and sandblasted every last part. Then I got bored and sand-blasted the corroded hardware too, which was pretty much all of it.

So, the stainless bolts are no longer shinny looking, they are dull. By sand blasting them, did I take off some kind of stainless coating? or are they OK to reuse?

Secondly, I have no broken bolts on anything. everything came out, some were tighter than others, but not too bad. I got lucky. But, should I still clean up all the threads in the mid section and similar areas?

I'm assuming I need a tap and/or dye for this. Something I don't have, and have never used. Nor do I possess the knowledge of correctly using such tool.

So, do I need to do anything to the threads? if so, how do I use the tap & dye?

also, anti-seize. Should each bolt get some? if not, which ones do?
I have a bottle of the Johnson/Evinrude brand, gasket compound (type M? or F?) would that be ok to use? (someone said it would be fine)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Restoring an old engine; hardware related questions inside

i bought a nice tap & die set at Advance Auto parts. i would clean out the holes. then blow air into them. it will make putting it back together easier.

 

[sred137]

Re: Restoring an old engine; hardware related questions inside

If you sandblasted the bolts a die should not be necessary.You should probably run them on a wire wheel lightly to smooth out the roughness caused by the sandblasting.

Rather than buying a whole set of taps you could just find out the sizes you need and just buy them from MSC or similar site.If not sure exactly what size bolts you have a thread gauge is a nice thing to have.Or count number of threads per inch and measure OD.ex.1/2-13-1/2 is the dia. and 13 is number of threads per inch.

When tapping an existing tapped hole it is nice to have a starter tap and make sure you don't cross thread.New taps will cut really easy and quickly screw up a hole.Just use a light tapping oil that is approved for the type of material you are tapping ie some oils are bad for aluminum and such

T-handle tap wrenches are cheap.Don't use a cresent or end wrench.

hope this helps

 

[sred137]

Re: Restoring an old engine; hardware related questions inside

Oh and I'm a big fan of Lock tite.But make sure you don't use the permenant stuff if you want to get it back apart.I think you want the medium grade stuff.

 

[Sargent Skiff]

Re: Restoring an old engine; hardware related questions inside

Taps and dies are pretty intuitive to use. Run the correct size tap down into an existing threaded hole just like you would a bolt, using a little oil, and being careful not to cross thread it. Back the tap out, then clean the hole with air or by hosing it out with WD-40 or the like.
Dies thread onto a bolt or stud just like a nut, again use oil, use care and clean afterwards. Clean the crap off the thread & die, too.
Practice on a scrap a couple times and you'll have it. Cutting brand new threads requires a little more technique but it's not beyond the average hack. Hell, even I can do it.