What torque value do you use?

[Bob S.]

When looking at torque values in the various shop manuals quite often you are given a min and max torque value. Case in point: torque spec for the oil pan 5/16-18 bolt is min-10, max-15. That's a 50% increase from min to max. Which value do you use? Why?
Thanks - Sully

[Jim D.]

Re: What torque value do you use?

I usually split the difference between the two. In your example, I would go with 12 Ft. Lbs.

[Edward J.]

Re: What torque value do you use?

When looking at torque values in the various shop manuals quite often you are given a min and max torque value. Case in point: torque spec for the oil pan 5/16-18 bolt is min-10, max-15. That's a 50% increase from min to max. Which value do you use? Why?
Thanks - Sully

Bob, My Advice is to torque all bolts first to about 10lbs and then recheck all bolts again, then final torque to 13/lbs. and then after a 1000 miles re-torque to 15lbs. Oil pan like valve covers then go through the hot and cold cycles and any cork gaskets need a little maint. and I believe the corner bolts require a little extra. Don't have a manual in front of me but check anyway.

[Wayne L.]

Re: What torque value do you use?

Bob nailed this one. I was taught years ago that the most important step is having all the bolts at the same torque. Then re-torque after a few heating/cooling cycles. We used to have to re-torque every bolt after the break-in run, including all the head bolts. We normally do not need to re-torque head gaskets anymore, but everything else needs to be checked.

[Bob S.]

Re: What torque value do you use?

Thanks guys. Good information. The pan is one on the items I am working on and you are right Ed, according to the 1958 Passenger Car Shop Manual the 1/4-20 bolts call for 6-9 ft. lbs. and the corner 5/16-18 call for 10-15 ft. lbs. of torque.

[Michael H.]

Re: What torque value do you use?

Bob I tend to go on max side of the value because most wrenches have springs inside the tool which over time will weaken thus you'l have a lower reading unless you get your torque wrench calibrated yearly then I would torque to the mid-range. Always reset your torque wrench back to zero to take the tension off of the spring.

Mike