Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 08:13:32 -0400
Reply-To: Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Oil plug
In-Reply-To: <5CAC2C88-3131-4652-9EE2-C95ABA1154D4@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> I have a small fleet of VW vehicles and I also use a 1/4 inch or 3/8 drive torque wrench all the time. I am just a shade tree mechanic, but I look up all the torque specifications for everything on the engine. Aluminum parts and steel bolts are always very low torque items.
>
> I have learned that the time required to look up the torque specifications and use the correct torque wrench, is less than the time required to repair a stripped bolt hole. The Vanagon engine is full of aluminium engine parts bolted onto aluminium. You should be comfortable in conversion between foot pounds, inch pounds and how to correctly set the various size torque wrench. Also understand that a torque wrench is just to finish off the tightening job, and is not for general use. Once used, you need to release the torque wrench back to 0 to maintain the accuracy.
>
> Once you get to explore engine rebuilding, you will understand that a good torque wrench is your friend. You learn about torquing sequence, and why head bolts and other bolts can not be reused.
>
> Yes, there are folks who have been wrenching since they were 5 years old and can feel the difference of 0.5 ft lb of torque. Good for them. The rest of us mortals can learn this by actually using a torque wrench.
Sent from my electronic umbilicus
On 2013-07-10, at 7:30 AM, Bill Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Scott - I do use a torque wrench on the oil drain plug. Especially when
> I am working on someone else's rig. I use a 1/4 or 3/8 drive shorty dial
> torque wrench. The published spec is the same for all Vanagons with
> stock motors. Drain plug: 18 ft-lbs
> So your generalization that no one does is incorrect. By using a torque
> wrench on it. I know for sure that it was done properly and I always put
> a dab of inspectors lacquer when done. When I am working on one of
> the several vans that I care for its also noted on the RO (repair order)
> that it was done and the spec used.
>
> Bill M
>
>
> On Jul 10, 2013, at 3:33 AM, Scott Ohana <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
>
>> But you don't use a torque wrench on vanagon drain plugs ..right ?
>> No one does.
>> not that I
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