A question of torque?

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:50 am

I have noticed in removing various parts of Pandora that the screw headed bolts do not have a substantial amount of torque. Is this by specs due to all the flexing etc to reduce stress, or have they just worked a bit loose over the years? I can understand where a substantial torque is not needed... say the rudder, but one would think items like the chain plates and motor mount would need ample torque.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:09 pm

Well being that there are no takers on this one, I'll add it to my category of dim-witted questions... of which I'm sure to add more in the days to come.

The amount of torque needed on the bolts in question must be in the eye of the beholder... or perhaps his elbow.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:12 pm

Terrence,
I haven't taken much apart on mine, so I'm going out on a limb here:

They probably worked a bit loose from years of flexing and material shrinkage/wear. That being said, I don't know what the proper torque is. I'm reasonably sure it's more than "finger tight" and less than "hella tight".

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:23 pm

Tom

Thanks for taking a stab at it and on reflection it really was an open ended question... sorry.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:25 pm

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:39 pm

I'm guessing they vibrated loose. Assuming you mean they are loosey goosey as opposed to just not really lugnut tight.

EE has no loose screws. EE's skipper has.

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:50 pm

I could tell you the 1/4 20 size hardware sould be around 5 to 8 ft lbs but as pointed out the age of the fiberglass & wood in the boat would make me say to snug them but don't muscle them. Working on 30+ year old cars I've learned real well what metal fatigue does to hardware.

If you put alittle 3M's 5200 sealant on the threads before tightening it will hold from loosening up and water proof at the same time.

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:59 pm

Thanks to all for the information, ft lbs I can understand and even though these old Chrysler are said to be built like tanks a gentle hand at times is needed. Snug bolts it will be.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora