torque question

[tkoforpresident]

i'm replacing my valve covers and gaskets and the proper torque in my haynes manual says 89 in/lbs for the valve cover nuts. I bought a torque wrench a while back but it is from 120 in/lbs - 400 in/lbs.

I cant seem to find a 3/8 drive, low incriment in/lb torque wrench, or at least one that doesnt cost about 100 dollars. This is kind of a one time use deal so i don't want to buy one, and i haven't found a place that has that exact wrench for rental.

Now my questions.

1. Would it be safe to just set my wrench at 120 in/lbs and torque them down to that spec or would that be too tight?

2. Could i just be careful and try to torque them down by "feel" without a torque wrench.

3. If the first 2 options aren't doable, where can i get a "cheap" 3/8 drive, low incriment, in/lb torque wrench?

I am replacing these on my 93 3.4 just incase that helps or if anyone has done the same thing on this engine.

Thanks for the help, I need to figure out what to do shortly becuase i have limited time off of school to put my car back together.

thanx

max

[landj]

Re: torque question

I wouldn't use the 120... I tried that with my tranny bolts (on my other car) and resulted in a trip to the store for a new tool, a set of bolt extractors. Later I bought a Craftsman microtorque wrench with a range of 35-250 inch-lbs, and it is way cool. You can sometimes find them on sale (like I did). I would say this is a time to call all your friends asking if they have one to barrow.

[bigbrian442]

Re: torque question

Your worried about torquing your valve cover bolts??? Just snug them down with a 3/8's drive and check them after a few warm up cycles.

[Archer]

Re: torque question

yeah just a little more than finger tight. Archer

[tkoforpresident]

Re: torque question

yeah, i'd like be as specific as possible, i would hate to over/under tighten them.

Speeding firebird gave me some advice, he says just divide the in/lbs by 12 to get ft./lbs.

i know i can get a cheap ft./lb torque wrench from autozone for around 10 dollars, and at least it will be closer than " snugging them down".

[Meatyshells]

Re: torque question

like said before a little tighter than finger tight. Valve covers arent attached to anything mechanical you arent going to hurt anything.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: torque question

okie dokers, thanks guys.