<VV> lockwashers.... grrrr

[djtcz at comcast.net]

I hate and fear split lockwashers in structural joints.  Some types have real use in electrical connection
Clean flat surfaces, reasonably hard non-indenting flat washers, lightly oiled or loc-tited threads and proper torque applied smoothly to long bolts are mighty hard to beat in a structural joint.

Lockwashers are a topic practically guaranteed to provoke lengthy threads on technical newgroups and bulletin boards.

There is plenty of technical support  for LW elimination. A few MIL handbooks allow lockwashers to be re-used if troublefree, but call for LW elimination as the part of the correction for troublesome joints.  Add to that Carrol Smith's books, and LW's  notable lack in modern critical hardworking joints like rod bearings and main bearings, and it's hard to make a cause FOR lockwashers.  Suits me.

--
Dan Timberlake

-------------- Original message -------------- 
Message: 10
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:17:45 -0500
From: "D. Barry Ellison" <bars84crx at hotmail.com>
Subject: <VV> Yoke bolts
To: VirtualVairs at corvair.org
Message-ID: <BAY117-F40BA6FE7C82D0E5B5D3165A8AC0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

I'm about through fixing my 140 dropped valve seat problem.  Shoved the 
engine under the car last night.  This car is a daily driver that sees 
several autocross events each year and usually the NECC Time Trial with the 
convention and if I'm lucky one more high speed event somewhere.

Gosh, I'm getting old.  I only vaguely remember changing my differential 
yokes to 66+ style with 1/4-20 bolts.  (Aren't the 65s smaller?)  I used 
grade 8 bolts with lock washers and 7/16" heads.  The heads are larger than 
the originals and it's tough to get a socket on them.

Is there any reason I can't/shouldn't use an allen head with a flat washer 
and a split lock washer remember the 120+/- mph I do above?  Aren't they 
hardened or at least as tough as the grade 8s?  Are they too brittle?

Thanks,

Barry
Corsa SC
2 Lates, 2 earlies.
Live in Piedmont SC, work in Simpsonville SC