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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: Boiler Ben on October 21, 2024, 08:40:27 AM

Title: Lock washers
Post by: Boiler Ben on October 21, 2024, 08:40:27 AM
I’ve seen suggestions for using lock washers on the oil pan.  What about front cover or oil filter adaptor?  From photos, it looks like most people do not use lock washers.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: blykins on October 21, 2024, 08:43:43 AM
Use whichever you want.  I use both.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: 475fetoploader on October 21, 2024, 08:47:44 AM
I think this falls into personal preference.  Sometimes I even use studs on front covers, with flanged nuts.  A lot of times I use allen bolts with lock washers on front covers.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: MeanGene on October 21, 2024, 09:12:15 AM
Lock washers are the difference between a GMC and a Chebbie trucks
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: 475fetoploader on October 21, 2024, 09:15:58 AM
OK, where would Buick and Oldsmobile land in this?
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: pbf777 on October 21, 2024, 12:47:18 PM
OK, where would Buick and Oldsmobile land in this?

     "Star-Washers"!   ::)

      Scott.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: pbf777 on October 21, 2024, 12:57:16 PM
      Just remember that the actual functioning principles of these "lock" washers takes place after the fastener is attempting to move; this meaning it's already loose!    :o

      Scott.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Barry_R on October 21, 2024, 02:48:47 PM
Lock washers and serrated underhead fasteners are useful in applications where you cannot attain any real clamp load on the fastener itself.
These would include valve covers and oil pans where the thick gaskets would deform or crush.
Blue Loc-tite - or a nylon insert bolt - would also work well in these cases, but could be a PITA to service in the field.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Boiler Ben on November 04, 2024, 07:44:05 AM
I’ve got a follow up question on this.  I bought the ARP 12 point SS accessory bolt kit because I like how they look.  I just put on the front cover.  ARP doesn’t have specific torque for this, just by bolt diameter, so 24 ft-lb for 5/16” and 45 ft-lb for 3/8”.  This seemed too high to me so I torqued them all to 20 ft-lb.  Now I am second guessing.  I did not use lock washers, just the ARP washers.  Used Right Stuff for gasket and threads that need sealing, ARP lube on the other threads.  Should I make any adjustments here?
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: blykins on November 04, 2024, 07:54:13 AM
I’ve got a follow up question on this.  I bought the ARP 12 point SS accessory bolt kit because I like how they look.  I just put on the front cover.  ARP doesn’t have specific torque for this, just by bolt diameter, so 24 ft-lb for 5/16” and 45 ft-lb for 3/8”.  This seemed too high to me so I torqued them all to 20 ft-lb.  Now I am second guessing.  I did not use lock washers, just the ARP washers.  Used Right Stuff for gasket and threads that need sealing, ARP lube on the other threads.  Should I make any adjustments here?

Not to sound like a hack, but the amount of times I've used a torque wrench on a timing cover bolt over the last XXX number of engines has been zero.  I just use a 3/8" drive ratchet, snug them up, then roll on. 
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Boiler Ben on November 04, 2024, 08:13:03 AM
Perfect.  Thank you.  Just overthinking stuff I guess.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: pbf777 on November 04, 2024, 01:18:28 PM
I just put on the front cover. .............................so 24 ft-lb for 5/16” and 45 ft-lb for 3/8”.  This seemed too high to me..............

     Definitely "too high" for this.   :o

Quote
............ so I torqued them all to 20 ft-lb.

     Plenty tight enough.    ;)

     But, I do always utilize a torque wrench, if only so that I can say that I did!    ::)

     Scott. 
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Stangman on November 04, 2024, 11:33:53 PM
Like Brent said it’s all in the feel. When you have been doing these things for 30-40 years it’s all in the feel. Rocker shafts intakes and crankshafts is something different but covers and pans I put them to good and tight. ;)
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: galaxiex on November 05, 2024, 06:50:21 PM
Like Brent said it’s all in the feel. When you have been doing these things for 30-40 years it’s all in the feel. Rocker shafts intakes and crankshafts is something different but covers and pans I put them to good and tight. ;)

Gutentite.... I think that's a German virgin....  ;D   ;)
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Stangman on November 05, 2024, 11:19:31 PM
Ha yeah.
Title: Re: Lock washers
Post by: Dr Mabuse on December 01, 2024, 11:00:04 PM
I prefer studs whenever I can use them (especially on rocker covers). So called lockwashers do not really "lock". Nylock nuts, interference fit (crimped head) nuts, and washerhead nuts with blue locktite are useful where you might want them.