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Can we talk about the wrong way to use a torque wrench on aluminum parts?
I keep seeing people crank down on aluminum valve covers or intake manifolds like they're made of steel. A guy in our shop last week snapped a bolt clean off in a head because he used the same setting from the steel exhaust job. Aluminum needs a lighter touch, about 20% less torque in my book. How do you all handle the switch between materials on the same job?
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ben40225d agoMost Upvoted
Ever see someone treat aluminum like it's cast iron? Makes me cringe. I keep a little cheat sheet right on my toolbox for the different torque specs.
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jade22625d ago
Ben402's cheat sheet is a smart move. Seeing a snapped bolt in an aluminum thermostat housing last month was a real wake-up call. It's not just about less torque, but using a steady pull and never rushing the click. Do you double-check the manual for each specific alloy or just go with that general 20% rule?
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