Sould Torque Values Vary Between Steel and Aluminium Threads

[Suzuki_Don]

At the weekend I was looking for the torque value for the oil filter cover drain plug for my 550 (same for all GS's I think) which has a 10mm thread. BTW I could not find it anywhere.

As a result of this searching I did find some torque values for other 10mm metric threaded bolts, nuts, etc. For example the engine mounting bolts are 10mm and have quite a high torque rating for obvious reasons.

My question is this: Would there be a different torque setting for the same size steel bolt, fitting, etc. depending whether it is being screwed into an aluminium casting as opposed to be screwed into a steel casting.

 

[mighty13d]

here you go

 

[Suzuki_Don]

Thanks for the chart, that's very helpful.

Also what is the difference between kg-m and nm.

My torque wrench is in nm and the figures in the manual are in kg-m.

 

[bwringer]

Just to head off any confusion for anyone else who sees the chart above...

Torque values are specified based on the THREAD diameter, not the wrench size used on the fastener.



Also, when the OP mentioned a 10mm thread, he was talking about a drain plug in the oil filter cover (this is actually NOT found on most GS models), NOT the 6mm studs that hold the oil filter cover on.



Sorry, I've seen too many posts from people who blindly crank down 6mm valve cover bolts with the torque spec for 10mm bolts and then wonder why the bolts all break and their valve cover just cracked...

 

[bwringer]

Also, to answer the question, the drain plug may very well take LESS torque because of the limited number of threads engaged, and the fact that it should have a sealing washer of some sort.

In other words, I wouldn't go cranking down on a wee 10mm drain plug with 25 foot-pounds of torque. Put on a new sealing washer (it's probably a steel crush washer -- you can get these at any auto parts store) and snug it up.

 

[posplayr]

Thanks for the chart, that's very helpful.

Also what is the difference between kg-m and nm.

My torque wrench is in nm and the figures in the manual are in kg-m.

If you google the result you can get the answer

<H3>Torque, Moment

foot-pound torque, newton-meter

• 1 ft lb = 1.356 Nm

</H3>
torque is force mutiplied time a moment (lever) arm distance. Kg is ususally thought of as a weight but it is really a mass. Newtons are weight/force according to the formula

F=mg;

so you have to multiply kg times 9.81 m/sec^2 to get to a true SI torque of N-m

 

[mighty13d]

YES, Please understand that these values are definitely for the THREAD DIAMETER not size wrench you use. I should have specified. Also, the suggested torque goes down when lubricated and an oil drain plug shouldn't be over tightened. You should feel the bolt tighten up on the crush washer. Then you will feel it actually crush the washer, and then not too much more than that. If you do, you will end up having to fix it. I had to replace my oil pan on my car because the PO had over tightened it and I wanted it fixed correctly instead of using one of those self tapping larger plugs.

 

[sk843143]

hhhmmmm ... i was under the impresion that ase and ansi stated that ALL torque values are with a lube

 

[Agemax]

surely the answer is to buy a decent torque wrench and a manual........then read it

 

[Suzuki_Don]

surely the answer is to buy a decent torque wrench and a manual........then read it

Except the torque setting for this drain plug is NOT IN THE BOOK.

The main sump drain plug is not listed either.

 

[Agemax]

Except the torque setting for this drain plug is NOT IN THE BOOK

then common sence says tighten it up until it feels tight enough without over doing it

 

[1948man]

then common sence says tighten it up until it feels tight enough without over doing it

Where I come from, common sense is uncommon.

 

[Suzuki_Don]

Also, to answer the question, the drain plug may very well take LESS torque because of the limited number of threads engaged, and the fact that it should have a sealing washer of some sort.

In other words, I wouldn't go cranking down on a wee 10mm drain plug with 25 foot-pounds of torque. Put on a new sealing washer (it's probably a steel crush washer -- you can get these at any auto parts store) and snug it up.

Don't worry Brian, I will not crank the 10mm drain plug to 25 ft/lbs. Actually it should be about half of that.

I have resorted to a Kawasaki manual as Suzuki does not provide the information that I need.

The Kawasaki manual states the following:

Sump Drain Plug (14mm thread, same as my bike) @ 14.5 to 18 ft/lb.
Oil Filter Cover Drain Plug (10mm thread) @ 8.5 to 13 ft/lb.

Good luck in the POLL Guys.