Oil return fitting to engine case- does it really need 88Ft/lbs?

herman maire · 01-31-2007, 09:09 AM

Guys, I need some help before I break something... The pics below are just for reference, my motor is a 73 2.4L.

After looking in the factory manual and Wayne's rebuild book they spec 88ft/lbs for this small fitting. I just torqued it last night and let me say 88ft/lbs feels like TOO MUCH, almost to the point where you start thinking the magnesium case is going to crack.

Should I remove it and lower the torque?

dfink · 01-31-2007, 09:23 AM

Just did my 85' a bit ago and I agree if it were not for the torque wrench I would have quit turning before reaching the specified setting. It however appears to have taken the torque and does not leak.
[EDIT] I however don't have a mag case....

herman maire · 01-31-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dfink
Just did my 85' a bit ago and I agree if it were not for the torque wrench I would have quit turning before reaching the specified setting. It however appears to have taken the torque and does not leak.
[EDIT] I however don't have a mag case....

Thanks for the reply,

So I didn't read a typo 2 times?

It is in fact 88ft/lbs?

As long as thats what it is then I am happy, I was dam near shaking while trying to read the torque wrench.

can anybody alse confirm this?

herman maire · 01-31-2007, 10:54 AM

Oh, also what do you torque the oil line nut to ? Do you just make it nice and tight? Otherwise I dont have a open end 36MM torque wrench to even torque it anyway.

dfink · 01-31-2007, 11:03 AM

I tightened it till my elbow popped. (tube)
Wayne book has 88.5 ft lbs 120nm (engine fitting)

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

When I did that fitting, I only put 50 ft-lbs.
From the same thread, Werk-I said the factory manual specified only 52 ft-lb. Which one is correct, I do not know.

Mine is still dry at 50 ft-lbs.
Besides, that line according the the engine wrenchers is not subjected to a high oil pressure.
They said the internal pump returns the oil to the tank at maybe 10-15 psi.

SP2 · 01-31-2007, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dfink
I tightened it till my elbow popped. (tube)
Wayne book has 88.5 ft lbs 120nm (engine fitting)

How did you calibrate your elbow to pop at 120 N.m?

Eagledriver · 01-31-2007, 06:28 PM

I don't use a torque wrench on that fitting. I wouldn't go that high especially with a mag case. This is a fitting that will start to leak slowly if not tight enough. You'll have plenty of warning before a failure and can tighten it if it leaks.

-Andy

herman maire · 02-01-2007, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bazar01
When I did that fitting, I only put 50 ft-lbs.
From the same thread, Werk-I said the factory manual specified only 52 ft-lb. Which one is correct, I do not know.

Mine is still dry at 50 ft-lbs.
Besides, that line according the the engine wrenchers is not subjected to a high oil pressure.
They said the internal pump returns the oil to the tank at maybe 10-15 psi.

Thank you for all the replys, if yours is dry at 50ft/lbs then thats what I am going to torque mine to. Since the exhaust is not on yet I am going to start over.... that 89ft/lbs just feels like overkill for my mag case and is nagging my mind .

Maybe I'll do 55ft/lbs

I will post if it leaks or NOT

Thanks

dfink · 02-01-2007, 06:42 AM

I don't know about yours but mine is buried deep under the heat exchangers after it all put back together. If you had it torqued to 88lbs and it held why loosen it.