I just picked up my APE slotted, adjustable cam sprockets. What method are you guys who run them using to bolt them to the cams? I thought about reusing the original bolts, but it seems like they could use some more bearing surface since they're bolting over a slot ( a slot that's also wider than it needs to be). A thick, hardened washer seems like a good idea to me. However, then slightly longer mounting bolts will be called for.
I'm a bit uncomfortable about the idea of slotted cam gears due to potential slipping, even though most people have no problems. I'd like to over engineer the bolting method. The torque spec for the original cam bolts is 14 ft./lbs, which points to them being grade 12.9. The only 12.9 bolts that I have easy access to are socket head bolts. These would require a washer for sure. I can't find any class 12 metric washers, and I can't find any thick class 10 washers. Would there be any concerns about doubling up washers?
So how about using grade 12.9 socket head cap screws with two class 10 washers under each bolt, installed with red Locktite. Does this sound like a good plan? Does anyone have a better idea? Am I looking too far into this and would be better off just reusing the original cam bolts? Thanks.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=665.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=665.0) Kevin Cameron's article stresses the importance of through cleaning and Locktite on the bolts.
Hang tight, Randy will chime in on the need for substitute bolts....
The original bolts are shouldered thus regular bolts will not work. There should be no problem using the stock bolts as they have a flanged head to have sufficient surface area to not slip.
They are used over and over again, without any problem.
I personally do not use lock-tite on my bolts, but that is your personal choice.
Randy - RPM
I've been using the original bolts for about 15 years with slotted sprockets. They are more than adequate. I used blue loctite. If you add a washer, won't that increase the number of possible slip surfaces? Especially if the washer is loose on the bolt.
DavidR.
Good point, you might be right about the increased slip surfaces. Fastener science can get kind of esoteric.
I guess I'll just reuse the stock bolts and stop trying to engineer something that might not even work right.
If you've got to use loctite, use blue.... red requires heat to get loose and I wouldn't want to heat those parts, personally.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on February 02, 2011, 02:04:48 PM
I've been using the original bolts for about 15 years with slotted sprockets. They are more than adequate. I used blue loctite.
DavidR.
That's how I have done it since the 80's. Cleanliness is very important (cleaning the flange holes etc). I have used the stock bolts quite a few times with no problems (as another member mentioned earlier).