Do I Really Need a Torque Wrench?

[Demerest]

I am replacing the head gasket on a H35. I am sure there are torque specs but I don’t own a torque wrench. Is it really all that critical on a small engine or can I just use common sense as long as I tighten the head bolts in the correct pattern?

 

[creia]

I am replacing the head gasket on a H35. I am sure there are torque specs but I don’t own a torque wrench. Is it really all that critical on a small engine or can I just use common sense as long as I tighten the head bolts in the correct pattern?

Get a torque wrench - Period.
You can get them at HF very reasonable priced. I have been using mine from HF going on 15 years now with excellent results...
Michael

 

[sparkwizard]

Any parts store will have a selection of torque wrenches on the tool wall. They are l8ke 18 dollars on up to about a hundred.
Get a cheap one and take care of it.

Oh. and, Yes, you need one.

 

[VeritableFox]

As noted, the HF wrenches are dirt cheap and testing videos I've seen of them shows they tend to stay in spec for as long as a hobbyist would use one. It's really easy to get the torque wrong when done by hand and on something like a head that can cause running issues. You don't really need something spendy like a Matco or Snapon. I have a pair of Lexivon torque wrenches for my 1/4" and 3/8" drives since I liked the look and torque ranges more than the HF ones. My two 1/2" drive torque wrenches are from my Grandfathers tools and are both beam style (not click style) Craftsman wrenches.

"Good'n'tight" really only works with intakes and exhausts. I've cheated on spark plugs though.

 

[Demerest]

Thanks guys. I guess I knew in my heart what the right answer was. If I am going to continue in this hobby I may as well do it right. I just ordered a 3/8 drive Lexivon.

 

[panchothedog]

Good call. If you ever get inside the engine, a 1/4" drive will be needed.
Rod bolts.

 

[superflea]

I never use a Torque wrenxh. I just go by results. When I put a tire back on a car if it results in the tire passing me up on the freeway then I know it needs to be tighter. EASYPEASY.

 

[Skipp]

Good call. If you ever get inside the engine, a 1/4" drive will be needed.
Rod bolts.

Reducers are cheaper…lol!

 

[sparkwizard]

Reducers are cheaper…lol!

Not much room inside a Briggs. Inch pound wrench and a calculator works.

 

[Skipp]

I use an inch pound on Tecumseh I think both are listed in the manual….

 

[Ginz61]

I was surprised at the quality of the HF 1/4 torque wrench. The small size is excellent for working on mini bike engines where my 3/8 TW doesn’t fit well.

 

[creia]

I was surprised at the quality of the HF 1/4 torque wrench. The small size is excellent for working on mini bike engines where my 3/8 TW doesn’t fit well.

... And at less than $20.00 they are a great VALUE.
Michael

 

[Itype2slo]

I got a dental implant last year. I laughed when the dentist pulled out a tiny torque wrench to tighten it up Knock on wood it's still holding!

 

[panchothedog]

You aren't going to tighten rod bolts ( the only ones that are actually inside the engine ) on any of these small engines with a 3/8" drive torque wrench. Even less so with a reducer which adds another 1/2 to 3/4 inch of its length.

 

[SAS289]

Decades ago when most cars had steel wheels I would ram lug nuts home with a half inch impact. These days I use a torque wrench. It's just more accurate to use the vehicles torque spec.

 

[creia]

You aren't going to tighten rod bolts ( the only ones that are actually inside the engine ) on any of these small engines with a 3/8" drive torque wrench. Even less so with a reducer which adds another 1/2 to 3/4 inch of its length.

Especially on the (smaller) 3 HP engines...
Michael