jcook100
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2019
- Messages
- 88
- Reaction score
- 10
- Points
- 8
- Location
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Vehicle Year
- 1991
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Transmission
- Manual
Hi there,
I was just installing my valve covers and tightening down the bolts when the threads stripped out of one of the holes on the lower intake manifold. Now I have to go get it drilled out and have a helicoil placed in there. My manual said that these bolts should be tightened between 3 - 6 foot-lbs, but even with my torque wrench set at about 4.5, it was too much force and the threads stripped out. So what did I do wrong? My torque wrench is from Harbor Freight, so maybe I need a better one? Or should I just tighten the bolts by feel? I already had one of the thermostat housing bolt holes strip out, so I am pretty frustrated with this issue. I am now scared to tighten any of those lower intake bolts!
Also, am I good to reuse the same gaskets? I will have to remove the lower intake again (sigh) so can I reuse that gasket? And the valve cover ones too? I assume so, but just want to check. Thanks.
I was just installing my valve covers and tightening down the bolts when the threads stripped out of one of the holes on the lower intake manifold. Now I have to go get it drilled out and have a helicoil placed in there. My manual said that these bolts should be tightened between 3 - 6 foot-lbs, but even with my torque wrench set at about 4.5, it was too much force and the threads stripped out. So what did I do wrong? My torque wrench is from Harbor Freight, so maybe I need a better one? Or should I just tighten the bolts by feel? I already had one of the thermostat housing bolt holes strip out, so I am pretty frustrated with this issue. I am now scared to tighten any of those lower intake bolts!
Also, am I good to reuse the same gaskets? I will have to remove the lower intake again (sigh) so can I reuse that gasket? And the valve cover ones too? I assume so, but just want to check. Thanks.