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Oil pan torque

Haynes - 6.5 to 9 ft-lbs. You'll need a lower range torque wrench if you plan to use one, like one to 150 in-lbs. The standard wrenches are like 150 ft-lbs and are notoriously inaccurate at either end of their ranges.

Start all bolts by hand. Tighten in a criss-cross pattern in stages.

Only get the bolts as tight as they need to be. You can always tighten more as needed.

Do yourself a favor and get a screwdriver with socket convertor. Use this to tighten the bolts...that's all that's needed and there's very little chance you will strip the bolts.
 
Haynes - 6.5 to 9 ft-lbs. You'll need a lower range torque wrench if you plan to use one, like one to 150 in-lbs. The standard wrenches are like 150 ft-lbs and are notoriously inaccurate at either end of their ranges.

+1!! :bow I was amazed when I first used the proper torque on the pan bolts, its much less than you think. I had often struggled with leaks on car valve covers, I realize now I was always over tightening and deforming the gaskets. If you do it by feel its likely you will over torque.
 
Don,

+1 on wecm31 & Kurt's recommendations.

Make sure gasket surfaces are clean and smooth. Taking the time to clean the case threads and bolt threads can be beneficial. If applying a new gasket make sure the letters on the gasket are facing up. I don't use any gasket sealer or adhesive material at all. Start in the middle with your tightening and work out in a criss-cross pattern in both directions (fore & aft). I use no more than 90 inch-pounds (7.5 ft-lb) of torque in 2 stages. Best to use an inch-lb wrench.

This may also be a good time to check your oil pickup bolts for tightness. Here's a link to my R65 restoration. Procedures should be similar.

http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81 R650 Restoration/Oil Pan - Oil Pickup Srvc/

-Mike V.
 
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Best to use an inch-lb wrench.

definitely +1

If you don't have one you can get a reasonably good one (clicker type) at Harbor Freight for around $25. 1/4" drive, 20-200 in.lbs. I replaced my OEM gasket with a reusable silicone version.
 
definitely +1

If you don't have one you can get a reasonably good one (clicker type) at Harbor Freight for around $25. 1/4" drive, 20-200 in.lbs. I replaced my OEM gasket with a reusable silicone version.

I did the same thing and used a 1/4 nut driver to "torque" the bolts. I believe that they are much less than the factory spec, but the silicone gasket does not need to be as tight.
 
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