Bolt Wire

[ursus]

What is the correct wire gauge for securing bolts that need to wired, e.g. flywheel bolts?

[GPierce]

I use 0.040” dia. Stainless steel.

[BillCNC]

I've been using the mechanics wire from Harbor Freight. it's a 25' for .99¢

Regards
Bill

[aermotor]

Originally Posted by GPierce

I use 0.040” dia. Stainless steel.

Get from aircraft parts suppliers- will be of highest quality.

[31a]

mechanics wire HF

[BillCNC]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by aermotor

Get from aircraft parts suppliers- will be of highest quality.

IHO, ... there's no need for expensive wire for the "A". I've had the HF wire on for 5-1/2 years and just recently removed the wire retaining the flywheel bolts when I did my Hillbilly valve job. Surprisingly, it looked exactly as it did 5-years ago when installed, clean and shinny. I marked the bolt heads with a white paint marker and they didn't moved. Now, if this was an aircraft, I'd use the expensive stuff, but we are talking about 4.22:1 compression with 24.5 horses at the tires.

Regards
Bill

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by ursus

What is the correct wire gauge for securing bolts that need to wired, e.g. flywheel bolts?

Since you are asking what is correct, here is just one print that I have from the archives that shows the part number, the diameter of 0.045" - 0.49", and the length of 11½ - 12" of the flywheel safety wire. Ford's assembly line workers did not just use a coil of wire and reel-off a random length to use on each engine like we do today. Instead, the Ford Engineers assigned a specific part number for all items used including ALL fasteners and safety wire that made-up that component.

.
.

[GeneBob]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Since you are asking what is correct, here is just one print that I have from the archives that shows the part number, the diameter of 0.045" - 0.49", and the length of 11½ - 12" of the flywheel safety wire. Ford's assembly line workers did not just use a coil of wire and reel-off a random length to use on each engine like we do today. Instead, the Ford Engineers assigned a specific part number for all items used including ALL fasteners and safety wire that made-up that component.

.
.

The specification looks like bailing wire to me.

Remember, the wire will not keep the bolts tight, it will only keep them from backing out if they lose preload.

[Cape Codder]

GeneBob I disagree, IF the two wire method is used and done correctly! I can't speak to the single strand method.

[PC/SR]

I have not used safety wire on the flywheel or rods in some time and I drive hillclimbs. No problems

[katy]

I use the .041" stainless steel lock wire from Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/0041-i...coil-8895.html

[aermotor]

Originally Posted by PC/SR

I have not used safety wire on the flywheel or rods in some time and I drive hillclimbs. No problems

Has anyone found a broken safety wire. I don't see any value other than an indication of a loosened fastener. Safety wire is not going to make a difference in holding power if improper torque was not used to begin with.