How important is a torque wrench?
 

I am changing the gaskets on my valve cover and oil filter housing this weekend and the DIYs call for the bolts to be torqued to a certain spec. I leant my torque wrench to a friend a while ago and never saw it again and I dont really feel like going out and buying another one. Can I get away with just tightening the bolts that hold on the valve cover without torquing them?

Consider the problems and damage that could result from improperly-torqued bolts.

Consider the cost of those potential problems.

Compare the cost of those repairs to the cost of a torque wrench.

Seems like a pretty simple decision to me.

I hear what you are saying and you are right, but a valve cover doesn't seem like a part that will fail due to improperly torqued bolts. In all likelihood, I'll just go get another wrench but I guess I want to get a better understanding of why a valve cover would have torque specs.

A lot of people put valve covers on just using experience.

The question is how much experience do you have?

It's a pretty light touch on those aluminum threads.

Over-torquing and under-torquing can both cause expensive repairs.

FWIW- I did not use a torque wrench for my valve cover.
I also have not used one for my oil filter or brakes.

My rule of thumb is when I want to tighten it a little more for good measure, I stop right before.

I do use a torque tool for plugs and wheels though.
YMMV.

You can do it without it. I personally don't like a torque wrench on light torque, alumimun threads. I have stripped things in that situation before I hit the specified torque. With the valve cover, I'd just do it snug, then keep an eye on it. If it starts to leak, snug it a bit more.

Now that I think about it, I should find that guy who took mine. Not cool!

Definitely get the wrench - and take your time! It is REALLY easy to strip the threads in the bolt seat.

To really work on most engines, you need two torque wrenches, one in Inch lbs and one in ft lbs. Torque wrnches are seldome accurate outside of the middle 60% of their range.

I used to work with a calibration shop ,,, they had this test fixture the could cal torque wrenches , they could set it to whatever and when you pulled on it it detected the click so they could adjust the gauge for accuracy.

The dude that ran the lab had a standing bet that nobody could call the setting 3 times within 5 lbs. He never paid off in ten years and MANY gear heads tried.

Its one of the things that separates an engine builder from guys who build engines...

Just another bench racing opinion.... :)

Dave

You could consider one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Alltrade-94075.../dp/B0031QPJZG

+ 1 on this. The torque value for those bolts is only 89 inch/lbs and it's really easy to overdo it.

I bought a cheapo wrench since I last posted bit that thing is COOL!