Painting tensioner bolts

[Red Rider]

I'm doing a lot of cleaning, painting, rebuilding and replacing as long as the head is off and the timing belts are apart. I'd like the tensioner bolts to stay rust free if possible (for easy on-off in the future) and I'm wondering if anyone here has a solution. Is paint or grease better?

Paint: might get worn off on installation and rust, might clog threads.
Grease: Won't last and will attract dirt.
Option 3: Neither. Struggle with rusty dry threads &PB Blaster next belt change or component failure.

Thanks.

 

[Red Rider]

Just answered my own question. Going with option 4: Right after posting this it occurred to me - Stainless. I found some 316 hex head bolts (OEM is a flange head) that should do the trick. 316 is the most corrosion resistant stainless out there, and also the brightest. Stainless can be subject to galling in the threads, but this won't be stainless on stainless. If anyone else likes the idea, here's a good source:

Bolt Depot - Metric tap bolts, Stainless steel 316 (A-4), 8mm x 1.25mm

www.boltdepot.com

Alternator is M8 x 40mm, AC is M8x110mm. Flange head not available in full thread stainless that length at that vendor.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

Are you talking about the hydraulic tensioner bolts?

 

[Red Rider]

No, the alternator and AC tensioner bolts. Lots of exposed thread on those.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Powder coat

 

[pauleyman]

Just answered my own question. Going with option 4: Right after posting this it occurred to me - Stainless. I found some 316 hex head bolts (OEM is a flange head) that should do the trick. 316 is the most corrosion resistant stainless out there, and also the brightest. Stainless can be subject to galling in the threads, but this won't be stainless on stainless. If anyone else likes the idea, here's a good source:

Bolt Depot - Metric tap bolts, Stainless steel 316 (A-4), 8mm x 1.25mm

www.boltdepot.com

Alternator is M8 x 40mm, AC is M8x110mm. Flange head not available in full thread stainless that length at that vendor.

I guess I'm spoiled, no rust in oklahoma. I put some antiseize on them and call it good. Alternator bolt is specialized. You could file down any bolt to recreate it. I would put the notch under the head like stock.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

Just put a very light coat of oil on em and call it a day.

Marty - you can’t powder coat threads on a bolt!!

 

[AWD-Tony]

You can get them zinc coated or try bluing them.

 

[adrewn]

If you choose zinc plating, yellow will look nice.

 

[19Eclipse90]

I'm with Paul - I apply anti-seize after cleaning them and call it a day!