31 Essex Torque Specs?

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited August 2012 in HUDSON
This is my third time around with the water jacket so I want to make sure I do it right. Last time I torqued the nuts down to 30 lbs and only broke of 3 studs. I think 30lbs is a little to much. Hours later after drilling out the studs I'm ready to try it again. Any ideas what the correct torque is and is there a special way to torque the nuts down ( from the center out? ) What about the torque spec for the oil pan? I snug it up until its tight but it is leaking with a new gasket. I used grease inbetween the gaskets and pan but no seal. Is there a certain pattern I should be using when tightening down the oil pan? Unfortunately I can't find any information on torque specs. Thanks!

Comments

  • hudsonsplasher1
    hudsonsplasher1 Senior Contributor
    Water jacket torque should be around 12 lbs. Oil pans should be 15 lbs. The edges around the holes tend to get pushed in because of over tightening. Be sure to hammer these flat so the gasket lays flat with the surface. I use aviation form- a -gasket on the water jacket and oil pan gaskets, and it works fine. The only patten I use on these is starting in the middle, tighten each bolt opposite of each other. Like you would do when tightening nuts on a wheel. Seems to work just fine. Let us know how you do.
    Gene.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    You have to understand with a item like the oil pan or the water jacket overtightening is as bad as too loose. First make sure the guy before you did not distort the pan flange allready at the bolt hole from overtightening. The flange can be tpped back in shape with a little hammer time on the bench. Then Just start in the middle an work your way around snugging the bolts down. Do not over do it ! !
    You will then get the best results , and of course make sure the surfaces are clean and dry . And use some sealer. I use some electrical coctact cleaner as my final cleaner befor appling sealer. It dries fast and bone dry and laeves a good clean surface.
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    After looking at the oil pan I can see it is distorted in many spots. One good thing is with all the oil leaking out I don't have to do a oil change as often. LOL! Thanks!
  • lostmind
    lostmind Expert Adviser
    Ottobethere, after you tap in the bolt hole dimples , use a fine file to check and see you have even contact on the flange.Remember ,if the bolt is to loose , you can always retighten.
    I found that a 3/8 speed wrench was just right for pan bolts, if you stop when you feel resistence.I think they designed them about right.
    I would think the water jacket is not much different than the oil pan.
    One problem is if you are using cork gaskets ,they split at the holes if to tight.
    Treated gasket paper is best.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    Ottobethere - your oil change sounds like the 1987 Dodge 1/2 ton, slant six, I had. Thing burned oil so badly I never bothered to change the oil. Just carried a couple 5 gallon jugs of oil and checked everytime I left the house.
    Maybe I could have paid for the oil by renting out the truck as a mosquito fogger or some such.

    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
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