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Torquing Head Bolts in Tight Space

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Created by keensailor > 9 months ago, 24 Jun 2013
keensailor
NSW, 702 posts
24 Jun 2013 4:00AM
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hi
motor is due for its first 20 hour service so i need to tension the heads bolts with a torque wrench. How do i get a 40cm torque wrench in there, see photo, the bolts face to the stern of the boat. Thanks in advance.



Ramona
NSW, 7758 posts
24 Jun 2013 8:44AM
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Is that a hatch from the port side cockpit locker?

Seems like a lot of room compared to some boats I have seen. Mirror and a wandering light and body on top of the engine. It even looks comfortable.

Good to see another boat with sensible cockpit drains.

Disralei
NSW, 127 posts
24 Jun 2013 9:51PM
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Hi Keen sailor

I am sure the length of the torque is irrelevant as I could host a party for 3 in there, as long as you can clear any motor obstacles you should be able to get to the required torque setting. however, without a downwood photo of the exposed head it is a little hard to see the swing room that you have but regardless you should not have to much problem

cisco
QLD, 12365 posts
25 Jun 2013 9:46AM
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Depends on the wrench too. Some are ratcheted therefore requiring less swing room.

Having a torque wrench is good but not always necessary.

The other question is whether they should be torqued with the engine hot or cold. I am not sure on that one.

keensailor
NSW, 702 posts
25 Jun 2013 10:26PM
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Select to expand quote
cisco said..

Depends on the wrench too. Some are ratcheted therefore requiring less swing room.

Having a torque wrench is good but not always necessary.

The other question is whether they should be torqued with the engine hot or cold. I am not sure on that one.


50 ft lb with a cold engine.
a racket torque wrench may be a deal breaker.
not sure how you would gauge the tightness without one though

LooseChange
NSW, 2140 posts
25 Jun 2013 10:33PM
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Select to expand quote
keensailor said..
50 ft lb with a cold engine.
a racket torque wrench may be a deal breaker.
not sure how you would gauge the tightness without one though


Heck, it's only a re-torque so there's not going to be much movement of the bolts unless it wasn't done right in the first place. Just swing that sucker.

cisco
QLD, 12365 posts
26 Jun 2013 9:16AM
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^^^^+1 If you just gave each bolt a 1/4 of a turn with a ring spanner I am sure it would be right.

LooseChange
NSW, 2140 posts
26 Jun 2013 6:01PM
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keensailor said..
a ratchet torque wrench may be a deal breaker.


You are saying that your engine is not worth about $70.00, that just makes no sense.
See here:-

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-Torque-Wrench-Adaptor-3-8-Drive-Ft-Lb-N-m-Kg-cm-Kg-m-Lb-in-Nm-Tension-/121005915220?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2c83bc54


keensailor said..not sure how you would gauge the tightness without one though


You don't, there is no way of just "guessing" the correct torque value. It's not so much even of having the absolute correct torque value as it is about having ALL the bolts at the same torque value

frant
VIC, 1230 posts
26 Jun 2013 11:56PM
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I myself wouldn't bother. Just have a look at the bolt heads to see if they have moved under all that paint. If no movement (and there won't be any) just leave it be with the factory torque settings.

Ramona
NSW, 7758 posts
27 Jun 2013 8:48AM
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Select to expand quote
frant said..

I myself wouldn't bother. Just have a look at the bolt heads to see if they have moved under all that paint. If no movement (and there won't be any) just leave it be with the factory torque settings.




Yes I agree. Very unusual to have to re torque head bolts these days.



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"Torquing Head Bolts in Tight Space" started by keensailor