Changed my tune on using a torque wrench for every injector job

I used to think the 'good and tight' method was fine for injector hold-down clamps, especially on older 12-valve Cummins engines. Then I had a truck from a farm in Billings come back twice in a month with the same injector weeping fuel. After the second time, I actually torqued them to spec with my Snap-on wrench, which was 25 foot-pounds. The leak stopped completely and hasn't returned in six months. I guess that extra 5 foot-pounds of precision actually matters for the copper washer seal. Anyone else get burned by skipping the torque wrench on what seems like a simple job?

3 comments

3 Comments

grant83821d ago

Actually, spec is 24 foot-pounds...

mark_hernandez1211d ago

Look, I get the spec is there for a reason. But come on, for most home stuff, are we really pretending a quarter turn past "snug" with a normal wrench is gonna cause a disaster? Feels like overthinking it.

andrew_kelly21d ago

Oh man, I was totally in the "good and tight" camp for years. Seeing that exact number, 24 foot-pounds, printed in the manual finally made me get a torque wrench. It just feels different when you know.