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I took my starter off a while back for inspection and service. What a pain! Anyway, the studs backed out when the nuts seized up on them and now I'm wondering if it would be ok to just use some nice stainless bolts instead of studs. Any reason not to? Theoretically it's slightly easier to install over studs, but the space is so cramped, I hardly see it making much of a difference. Your thoughts? Thanks.

I'd prefer the studs based on the fact that if you were to somehow drop both bolts while moving, your starter would be suspended only by the wiring. Studs would help support the starter if the nuts came loose. Of course, if you were moving and they came off, you'd likely lose all of your electricals since the main circuit would be "broken" and not grounded.
Gary

I'd reuse the studs. Maybe use a little lock tight to help retain them...

For what its worth, the Power Wagons used bolts. I have never had my starter fall off yet! Stainless wont be as strong as steel, you might consider just a grade 5 bolt.
Tim

make sure if you use stainless, that you use antisieze compound on the threads so they dont gall, otherwise, you'll really be in trouble when the threads are all boogered up next time you go to take it out.

Captnsim wrote:I'd reuse the studs. Maybe use a little lock tight to help retain them...

Not me! If the nuts siezed up, there's probably an issue with the threads. New studs are cheap and available at any auto parts store. Get new studs and nuts to go with them. you won't be sorry.

Thanks all,
I was able to clean up the original studs and re-use them. Starter is now back in place.