Stainless bolts for water jacket cover

[gone2ddogs]

I have a late model A4 with the flat water jacket cover plate that has rusted out. When I removed it all but three of the bolts were stainless. The three non stainless were completely rusted out. When I put it back I was just going to use all stainless hardware, but I have been told that the stainless bolts will start leaking because the "Stainless will pull metal from the mild steel ". Has anyone else been using Stainless bolts on their water jacket cover, and are they causing leaks?

Thanks
John R.

[Don Moyer]

John,

We have a minor preference for grade 8 bolts in the water jacket side plate
since there is a slight difference between stainless and cast iron in the
galvanic tables which sets the block up as a "sacrificial anode". The
difference is slight however and though we've seen many engines come through
our shop with stainless bolts in the water jacket side plate, we really
haven't seen any recognizable deterioration of the block. Bottom line, you
can do whatever makes you feel better.

Don