K241 rod cap torque.

[Indiana_Steve 125]

I have a '72 K241 that I replaced the rings on. Anyway, torqueing the rod cap  I had a question. The "books" say a couple of  different torque numbers. I was going for 285 inch lbs. Not having an inch torque wrench I converted over to foot lbs which are around 20-25 foot lbs. I started torqueing down and before I reached the "click" point of my torque wrench I noticed I could no longer turn the crank. So I loosened up the bolts where I could turn the crank again. Having worked on cars I was surprised by this. Am I doing something wrong?? I have access to an inch lb wrench at work which I will try tomorrow.

[rmaynard 16,301]

Are you sure that you put the cap on with the oil hole facing the cam?

[Indiana_Steve 125]

Yes the oil hole is facing the cam.

[rmaynard 16,301]

I don't have the book in front of me, but I do remember that there are two distinctly different types of cap bolts/nuts, and each had a different torque.

 

And in answer to your other inquiry, 1 foot pound is equal to 12 inch pounds. So 285 inch pounds is 23.75 foot pounds.

[rmaynard 16,301]

Okay, the manual says there are posilock and capscrews. I don't know which is which. Each has it's own torque value and tightening technique. Capscrews are 285 inch pounds. The manual says to overtorque them by 20% then loosen and retorque to correct amount.

[Indiana_Steve 125]

I have the regular cap bolts. I had the torque wrench set for 25 foot pounds, maybe too much. 20 foot lbs would be better. Again tomorrow I will use a inch lbs wrench and see how it comes out.

[953 nut 60,137]

The torque for used rod bolts is different than new ones. I'll look it up and get back.

K-SERIES

K241

Air Cooled Horizontal Crankshaft Single

Capscrew: 285 in-lb Posi-Lock:260 in-lb (new), 200 in-lb (used)

[Shynon 7,482]

26 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

The torque for used rod bolts is different than new ones. I'll look it up and get back.

K-SERIES

K241

Air Cooled Horizontal Crankshaft Single

Capscrew: 285 in-lb Posi-Lock:260 in-lb (new), 200 in-lb (used)

[Achto 29,408]

One other check, make sure that the marks for the rod & cap are lined up correctly.

[Indiana_Steve 125]

Check on all of the above. I'll know more tomorrow with the inch lbs torque wrench. Thanks for the ideas.

[WHX?? 51,806]

I have what I believe to be the posilock nuts on my but I fail to see how they are locking? Dan, @achtosuggested a a drop of lock tite just for insurance. Since Richard's post mentioned a used value safe to assume they can be used over. 

You might want to swing by a auto parts and pick up some plastic gage for more insurance Steve.

Edited April 3, 2017 by WHX9

[Indiana_Steve 125]

Welllll seems my problem was a bad torque wrench. Got me another and everything goes together well and torqued to spec. Just hoping my over torque didn't damage anything. Thanks for every ones input. As usual this is the best site for WH info AND expertise. Thanks guys.

[illinilefttackle 399]

I won't use "Clicker" Torque wrenches- Al

[WHX?? 51,806]

16 hours ago, Indiana_Steve said:

problem was a bad torque wrench

What kind was it? I suspect I might have a bad one. Mine is one of those HF  cheapys, 1/4" drive, up to 200in lbs. I got it just for doing the heads on the small K's which were 200 in lbs. Only used it once but had problems with leaking till I ran them up with a 3/8 beam type to 18 ft lb.

 

29 minutes ago, illinilefttackle said:

I won't use "Clicker" Torque wrenches- Al

Why is that Al?

[Indiana_Steve 125]

It was a HF. I've used pittsburg tools for years and this particular wrench for over 3 years with no issues. Why it failed I don't know. HF tools have a lifetime warranty. Took it back and got a new one. I've had 2 craftsman  ratchets fail but I still buy craftsman tools. Stuff happens.

[WHX?? 51,806]

So what yer sayin Steve is start digging for the receipt? Both my beam types are trusty Craftsman's.

[illinilefttackle 399]

On 4/5/2017 at 1:29 PM, WHX11 said:

What kind was it? I suspect I might have a bad one. Mine is one of those HF  cheapys, 1/4" drive, up to 200in lbs. I got it just for doing the heads on the small K's which were 200 in lbs. Only used it once but had problems with leaking till I ran them up with a 3/8 beam type to 18 ft lb.

 

Why is that Al?

I don't trust their accuracy over time- I've had them all- Snap-on, Craftsman, Matco, even seemed that temperature effected them. Torque on "sealing" bolts is more critical than just assembly bolts- in my opinion. I guess I'm just old fashioned- I'' trust my "feel" & what my eyes see on a gauge- well before I trust a mechanical clicker. Just my 2 cents!- Al

[Indiana_Steve 125]

No receipt needed....just like Sears they exchange it on the spot. As far as accuracy, torque wrenches  ARE supposed to be calibrated every 6 or 12 months.

[WHX?? 51,806]

Thanks Steve, you must know how those receipts  get lost! 

Not to steal this thread I may have to start a thread in tools on a how to calibrate them at home.