The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 06-06-2010, 09:38 AM

I just read a post about snapping the head off a pan bolt while torquing it to 20 foot pounds. And, I've read several posts about breaking manifolds while using a torque wrench.

First of all 20 ft. lbs. is too much for a pan bolt, and secondly common sense does a much better job than a torque wrench. Let your neighbor borrow your torque wrench, then never ask for it back again!

If you are using a cork or rubber gasket, just tighten the bolts until you just start to see the gasket squeeze out. If it's a cork gasket, it will take a set in a few days (whether or not the engine is run) and you should resnug the bolts. Just remember to snug it using common sense, NOT a torque wrench.

If it's a paper gasket, just tighten it until you feel it's right, then STOP! You can recheck for looseness during regular maintenance, but it will probably be OK.

Speaking of REGULAR MAINTENANCE, that deserves a new thread.

06-06-2010, 09:38 AM	#1
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Don't get anal about bolts and torque! I just read a post about snapping the head off a pan bolt while torquing it to 20 foot pounds. And, I've read several posts about breaking manifolds while using a torque wrench. First of all 20 ft. lbs. is too much for a pan bolt, and secondly common sense does a much better job than a torque wrench. Let your neighbor borrow your torque wrench, then never ask for it back again! If you are using a cork or rubber gasket, just tighten the bolts until you just start to see the gasket squeeze out. If it's a cork gasket, it will take a set in a few days (whether or not the engine is run) and you should resnug the bolts. Just remember to snug it using common sense, NOT a torque wrench. If it's a paper gasket, just tighten it until you feel it's right, then STOP! You can recheck for looseness during regular maintenance, but it will probably be OK. Speaking of REGULAR MAINTENANCE, that deserves a new thread.