Can't torque head bolt. HELP!
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New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
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Can't torque head bolt. HELP!
Putting head gaskets on a 94 4.0L. Can't seem to get to the back passenger side head bolt near the AC evaporator box with the torque wrench. I have a 3/8" drive T55 torx bit but i need the 3/8-1/2 adapter for the wrench and then I have a clearance issue with the AC evap box. I havent been able to find a 3/8 torque wrench that works in ftlbs (only finding ones in inlbs) or a T55 bit in 1/2" drive. Any suggestions? Also Haynes says i can torque heads down then do intake, but gasket instructions say do heads partially, intake partially, then heads, then intake until are torqued as a set. So this one head bolt is keeping me from doing anything. please help.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I understand that torque specs are important......but recently Ford has used torque to yield specs which torques a bolt using degrees.
Taking your word that a torque wrench cannot be used, my suggestion would be to snug up a different bolt using your calibrated elbow, mark it with some chalk and then torque it with a torque wrench. Make note of how far the bolt turned after it was snug.
After snugging up the bolt in question, torque it the same degrees as your marked bolt.
I honestly believe it will be "close enough".
Taking your word that a torque wrench cannot be used, my suggestion would be to snug up a different bolt using your calibrated elbow, mark it with some chalk and then torque it with a torque wrench. Make note of how far the bolt turned after it was snug.
After snugging up the bolt in question, torque it the same degrees as your marked bolt.
I honestly believe it will be "close enough".
Last edited by DOHCmarauder; Jun 27, 2007 at 08:26 PM.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
Which torque wrench manufacturers have you looked at? I was just in Sears yesterday and I saw a Craftsman 3/8 drive torque wrench in lb/ft. I actually have to try real hard to find an lb/in torque wrench.
I have a Gray Tools 3/8 lb/ft torque wrench at work, goes from 10 to 100.
I have a Gray Tools 3/8 lb/ft torque wrench at work, goes from 10 to 100.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 367
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my 3/8" drive tq wrench will go up to the equilivant(sp) of 80ftlbs. easy to convert inchlbs to ftlbs.
as DOHC pointed out if you're using a universal you need to do a calculation to determine how much more/less to tq the bolt do, because unless you're just using straight extensions, tq will be off.
as DOHC pointed out if you're using a universal you need to do a calculation to determine how much more/less to tq the bolt do, because unless you're just using straight extensions, tq will be off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
If you have an Autozone near you, they sell 1/2" Torx bits of all sizes...I know, I had to buy one there a while back.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Try your favorite autoparts stores Loan-A-Tool program, for a 3/8 drive ft/lb torque wrench. Most will have one to loan, for a refundable deposit.
Harbor Freight also has 3/8 drive, reversable, wratching, click stop type, torque wrench in 10-100 ft/lb range, for about $19.
12 in/lbs = 1 ft/lb
Harbor Freight also has 3/8 drive, reversable, wratching, click stop type, torque wrench in 10-100 ft/lb range, for about $19.
12 in/lbs = 1 ft/lb
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