Torque Info

[Hodado]

The torque wrench I am using is in inch pounds.How many inch pounds in a ft pound? I was thinking it must be 12.I am bolting down cam cover and the chart call for 1 foot pound[seems low to me] tx

[BassCliff]

Hi,

If you're using a Real Gasket (silicone rubber), they usually call for 15 inch pounds. Yes, 12 inch pounds equal 1 foot pound.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Hodado]

thanks for reply;that's so low my wrench won"t even click

[koolaid_kid]

You need to learn the wrist torque wrench method, unfortunately. 12-15 inch pounds means "just until it feels snug, and no more". You should also start working on the bolt diameter torque wrench method, since M4 bolts require much less torque than M6 bolts, etc.
If you are unsure on a torque setting, try using the wrench on a bolt that is not on the bike. For example, if you have a vice, put an M5 nut in the vice, thread an M5 bolt into it, use the torque wrench to snug the bolt down. When it clicks, you will know. If it twists off, the wrench needs to be recalibrated. If you do not have a vice (the kind that bolts onto a bench, not coffee or cigarettes) then use a pair of vice grips.
It may sound brutal, but it is better than breaking a bolt off in your bike.

[Guy]

thanks for reply;that's so low my wrench won"t even click

A big torque wrench will be hopelessly inaccurate at lower settings anyway. Get a smaller wrench for the lower values.