Re: Torque Specifications

[Glenn Merrell <gmerrel@domain.elided>]

Hello Tim and All,
    Sorry to hear that you will be getting experienced with threaded
inserts from the over torque bug.  Make sure you use quality inserts,
and an alignment jig.  It will save you from major headaches in the near
future.

Before I torque a bolt, even before I start reassembly, I run a tap into
the hole (every hole actually) to make sure the threads are clean and
still there, especially in aluminum. I also make sure that the bolt
threads are clean and straight or I discard the bolt.   Then, upon
reassembly, I check the manufacturers torque specifications with the
standard torque specifications chart for the bolt.  If the torque spec's
are the same I become very cautious that the manufacturer just reprinted
the standard torque specs in the manual for the bolt type and not for
the application...like a steel bolt into aluminum.  This is a tough
habit to get into, but after stripping a dozen or so bolt holes, you
pick up the habit quickly.  Even faster when the last hole you stripped
requires you to remove the engine!!

Regards,
Glenn Merrell
"Keep Your Stag Cool, Install a NEW Composite Cowl Today"
http://pw1.netcom.com/~gmerrel/stagcowl001.html