TA-31 and FE oil pan questions

[lippy]

Originally Posted by Tim7139

I think the issue is that you are probably a little light on the initial torque. This is where the feel part comes in. Initially as you tighten, if you used proper amount( remember it's real easy to overdo this) you tighten until you just see it begin to extrude out the edge.
A major issue with this stuff is the propensity to use too much. A nice continuous bead about 1/4" is about right. This and a slight smear around any stud holes so there's no voids.
I believe the major reason for nuts backing off may be excess material leading to the pan moving slightly or vibrating, etc.
I also pull all the studs, clean them with brake cleaner and put them back so you nut them on nice clean dry studs.
This is what I've learned in working with this stuff on cars and high vibration vintage motorcycles.

The studs were new and clean. I used Permetex Hi-Tack between the gaskets and windage tray, and then a bead of Right Stuff between the gasket/pan, and gasket/block, probably about an 1/8" bead, and around all bolt holes. I can get a torque wrench on all the studs but one, and tightened to 90 in-lb, which is 7.5 ft-lb. That *should* be good, and I don't want to distort the pan. Do you think I need a bit more torque?

[DanEC]

Maybe I'm all wet on this but I don't think your nuts or studs are backing off - I think the relaxing of tension on the studs is from the gasket taking a set which relieves the expansive forces or rebound forces acting on the pan and fastener tension. Re-tightnig the nuts compresses the gasket slightly further, again restoring the expansive forces acting between the pan and the block. At some point after a couple cycles of this, the gasket is compressed to where it's density increases to a point the fasteners can't be tightened any further without exceeding torque standards and possibly distorting the pan, etc. I don't think double nutting your studs will do anything except make it a little more difficult to snug up the fasteners any further. I would think after 2 or 3 cycles of that you are probably near the point of diminishing returns.

That's my theory or understanding anyway - right or wrong.

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by lippy

The studs were new and clean. I used Permetex Hi-Tack between the gaskets and windage tray, and then a bead of Right Stuff between the gasket/pan, and gasket/block, probably about an 1/8" bead, and around all bolt holes. I can get a torque wrench on all the studs but one, and tightened to 90 in-lb, which is 7.5 ft-lb. That *should* be good, and I don't want to distort the pan. Do you think I need a bit more torque?

I use Right Stuff silver on all surfaces.