Torx!! What's the point?
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Torx!! What's the point?
Well, I finally got down to business and started tearing my '90 351 EFI engine down last night. I was cruising along after removing the alt, PS, air pump, AC, exhaust manifolds, wiring harness, etc.. and thought I would remove the upper intake next. So I grab the ratchet and start taking out the bolts, I get them all out and see there is something in the middle of the manifold. I see that it is a Torx screw, no problem I grab my T-30 screwdriver and get ready to remove it, right? Wrong... the gap between the split is too skinny for the handle to fit in and I can't reach the Torx head! A quick inventory of my garage reveals wrenches, sockets, nutdrivers and screwdrivers of every shape and size but no Torx inserts, so the work stopped. My question is, what is the purpose for Torx heads? What was wrong with phillips head screws?
OK, I'm done venting now. Even though I ran into a snag I still had a better time working on the engine than if I would have been working on the sheetrock in my basement.
Longneck
OK, I'm done venting now. Even though I ran into a snag I still had a better time working on the engine than if I would have been working on the sheetrock in my basement.
Longneck
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
I'm pretty sure you can put more torque on a torx head than you can get with a philips (the philips bit would pop out/strip the screw easier). It's a T40 torx size, and you'll either need to get one with a long shaft, or use one for a 1/4" ratchet.
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Thanks for the heads up on the T-40 instead of the T-30 head, since I couldn't get the driver in there I couldn't tell for sure. If they wanted increased torque over a phillips why not put a hex head bolt on there?
Longneck
Longneck
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If you have the tools Torx are great! They handle more torque, Less likely to strip. Plus they stay on the bit better for one handed install..
I am happy when I see a torx instead of a phillips, but I do here you about stopping work because you need to go buy another tool! Though owning a ford we should be used to it by now..
I am about to change out my rusted front gas tank. I have to go buy one of those fuel line remove tools. For those Stupid fuel line connections. Why couldn;t they just use a hose clamp! And yes I know somone will post that when you have the tool those stupid fuel line connectors are better...
Doug
I am happy when I see a torx instead of a phillips, but I do here you about stopping work because you need to go buy another tool! Though owning a ford we should be used to it by now..
I am about to change out my rusted front gas tank. I have to go buy one of those fuel line remove tools. For those Stupid fuel line connections. Why couldn;t they just use a hose clamp! And yes I know somone will post that when you have the tool those stupid fuel line connectors are better...
Doug
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I went out and bought a 6" t-40 torx bit from Snap On for pulling my upper intake if and when my Ford motorsport valve covers ever show up. I test fitted it between the runners on the upper intake and it looks like it will work perfectly.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Torx bolts allow for hex head like torque ratings, but using a much thinner driver. Just think - you had trouble getting the Torx driver in. You couldn't get a hex head socket in at all.
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OK, OK, I guess there is some logic behind it. I just had a hard time seeing that at 10:00 last night 
Atleast I found out it is a T-40 before I went an bought one, that would have really made me mad, the nearest place to get one is about 45 minutes (one way) from home.
Thanks guys,
Longneck
Atleast I found out it is a T-40 before I went an bought one, that would have really made me mad, the nearest place to get one is about 45 minutes (one way) from home.
Thanks guys,
Longneck
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Will this ever end??? I stopped by Sears on the way home and they didn't have any T-40 bits that would fit in a 1/4" drive, so I got one for a 3/8" drive...too big...didn't work! I will try and find something at an auto parts store today.
Longneck
Longneck
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I had the same problem. I had to go out and find a 3/8 Torx socket that was really short, then lift up on the intake as turned the srew out. What a pain. I will look for the special order Torx from snap on next time I have to take it out.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Wahoo! I finally got to that darn Torx screw. I found a T-40 bit (like the #2 screwdriver bits) at Checker, put in on the end a 1/4" extension and it fit like a glove.
Again, thanks for all the help, especially telling me it was T-40 instead of a T-30.
Thanks,
Longneck
Again, thanks for all the help, especially telling me it was T-40 instead of a T-30.
Thanks,
Longneck
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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I actually ended up stripping my torx bolt in anger, and I replaced it with a standard hex head bolt, I can very easily now get a socket in there, if I put the socket in the bottom and the extension in the top, now I'm not worried about taking the upper intake manifold off anymore. I believe the size was 5/16-18 if anybody wants the same, just bring in one of the other bolts and get one that same length as the torx.
