Andyman
New Member
'07
9k Miles.
First bike!
'Had it for a month.
Stripped the Oil Plug & cracked the oil pan today [LOUD SIGH]
Thought I would change the plugs and do an oil change today. Success on the plugs, thought I'd buy a fancy Torque wrench to make my "mechanic skills" +1.
The usual story - manual says 31 ft-lbs on the oil plug. I got the torque wrench for the chain nut really but what the heck! I paid $70 for it! I might as well be precise on everything the manual points to exact torque!
Mistake #1
I ASSumed the torque wrench (3/8's 10-75 lbs Craftsman from Sears) would work like any ole power drill: just stop tightening and spin with some sort of ratcheting noise.
Mistake #2
The manual says 31 ft-lbs of DRY torque. Debated, but apparently there is a difference. I have no clue what this difference is.
I read that another guy (you probably read his post if you found mine) started with something like 15-18 ft-lbs and still stripped the thread.
Mistake #3
I continued to crank down on the oil plug because I wasn't positive the Torque wrench was engaging. I felt it do a subtle SINGLE click many times but I'm an idiot and didn't stop to think I might actually overtighten this nut.
Mistake #4
Racing the setting sun because I wanted to ride so badly
The culprit: (I'm sure you expect a selfie here but I need something to blame)
Save yourself plenty of cash and A LOT of time - 1/4 turn after hand tight. "JUST SNUG!"
9k Miles.
First bike!
'Had it for a month.
Stripped the Oil Plug & cracked the oil pan today [LOUD SIGH]
Thought I would change the plugs and do an oil change today. Success on the plugs, thought I'd buy a fancy Torque wrench to make my "mechanic skills" +1.
The usual story - manual says 31 ft-lbs on the oil plug. I got the torque wrench for the chain nut really but what the heck! I paid $70 for it! I might as well be precise on everything the manual points to exact torque!
Mistake #1
I ASSumed the torque wrench (3/8's 10-75 lbs Craftsman from Sears) would work like any ole power drill: just stop tightening and spin with some sort of ratcheting noise.
Mistake #2
The manual says 31 ft-lbs of DRY torque. Debated, but apparently there is a difference. I have no clue what this difference is.
I read that another guy (you probably read his post if you found mine) started with something like 15-18 ft-lbs and still stripped the thread.
Mistake #3
I continued to crank down on the oil plug because I wasn't positive the Torque wrench was engaging. I felt it do a subtle SINGLE click many times but I'm an idiot and didn't stop to think I might actually overtighten this nut.
Mistake #4
Racing the setting sun because I wanted to ride so badly
The culprit: (I'm sure you expect a selfie here but I need something to blame)
Save yourself plenty of cash and A LOT of time - 1/4 turn after hand tight. "JUST SNUG!"