valve cover bolt question/ jeff!

[Jeff Saline]

On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:57:14 -0700 (PDT) mark ward writes:

> you say back off 1/8, then torque them. > > Doo you meen, torque to 55, back off the 1/8 then > RE-torque? > SO torqueing first time also? > > Would that applie to ALL torqueing, or ALL light inch pound > stuff?? (drainplug, etc.) > Thanks ahead of answer

<><><><><><> <><><><><><> Mark, Since he's already torqued the bolts to 50 in lbs I think that is too close to 55 in lbs to get an accurate torque reading without backing them off and redoing the torque. It very well might take more than 55 in lbs of torque to get the bolts torqued to 50 in lbs to move. That is the reason I suggest backing them off and then tightening. To get an accurate torque applied it should be done on a moving fastener. I see many students on a high torque fastener stop when they are "almost there" to get a better angle/pull. I usually have them redo the entire torque sequence and plan ahead on where they start and end with the torque wrench. One place I see lots of trouble is on rotor bolts at about 130 ft lbs of torque. It usually takes a big sweep to go from about 80 ft lbs of torque to the final 130 or so ft lbs of torque. When they stop at the "almost there" point and then start again the torque wrench just clicks. The bolt is not properly torqued but the force required to get it moving again is more than the final torque setting. I think the torque and then back off and retorque is usually only when the manufacturer says to do that. My guess is that is the norm for gaskets that might squish and "settle" from heat/cool cycles. Some head gaskets come to mind. I only use a torque wrench on stuff that I think really needs a torque wrench. Drain plugs in my opinion normally don't. Just tighten until the drain plug and crush washer bottom and then a smidge (maybe 1/8 turn) more. Folks get in lots of trouble when they rely on a torque wrench instead of common sense. Torque wrenches are pretty important for multiple fasteners securing a sealing/clamping application. Head gaskets, bearings with pre load, oil pans and fork tube clamping bolts all readily come to mind. Making sure fasteners are clean and dry unless otherwise specified is important. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650 . . ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f5e16b0222621e3f666st05vuc