1975 Merc 650 Head cover bolts?

[Gibbles]

Well I decided to go ahead and replace my head cover gasket on my 1975 mercury 65hp (650)
(leaking around sparkplugs)

I went slow and careful on the stuck bolts, I started by spraying with penetrating oil, and let them soak for a little while, and when I got a little movement, I sprayed with oil and tightened and repeated until I got them all out.

Now that the cover is off, I want to replace the bolts

The bolts on this engine have a nut on the other end that fits snugly on the side of the block

My questions is; Should I replace with grade 8, or go with stainless for the replacements?

I'm thinking stainless as it does not appear I need to give the bolts much of a torque


Thanks for any input

 

[MercMan82]

Re: 1975 Merc 650 Head cover bolts?

Doesn't matter. I used 18-8 stainless because they were cheaper to buy at the time. Both will serve the same purpose.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1975 Merc 650 Head cover bolts?

You are in fresh water. Replace with the same grade as original. No need for Staiinless. Bolts should be SAE course thread, 1/4"-20 bolts