Tower Clamp Torque Spec
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,273
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From: Georgetown TX
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I think we all feel that tight is good, and tighter is better. (WRONG). I just try to go tight so nothing is leaking, and then retighten a tad (by feel) to stop a leak. Should never have to use a torque wrench or breaker bar on a clamp!
Last edited by Redbird; Apr 29, 2012 at 11:32 AM. Reason: add a word
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 195
From: Putnam Valley, New York. Amateur Radio Operator K2NS
Wittek Clamp Torque Spec.
I just looked at my 67 assembly manual, and in section 6, page B1, it gives the torque spec of 12-18 inch pounds. I don't know if the repro clamps can take this, as they are quite a bit thinner than the originals. If you're using repro clamps, I would shoot for the low end---8-12 inch pounds, and hold the tower with a wrench to keep it from twisting. If it leaks, I guess you would have to tighten it a little more. I just tighten them until they feel snug enough, and keep my fingers crossed that they do not leak..
RON
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
I put a THIN layer of black RTV silicon "goo" inside the radiator hoses, heater hoses, etc. before I slip them over the nipples.
I just put some of the RTV on the end of my finger and smear it in there.
If my finger won't fit, I use a flat blade screwdriver like a spatula.
Then, I GINGERLY tighten the tower clamps. I just snug them up.
I figure that the RTV will take care of any minute "details".
Been doing it this way for years and have never had a leak. Makes the hoses easier to slide on too.
Chuck
I just put some of the RTV on the end of my finger and smear it in there.
If my finger won't fit, I use a flat blade screwdriver like a spatula. Then, I GINGERLY tighten the tower clamps. I just snug them up.
I figure that the RTV will take care of any minute "details".
Been doing it this way for years and have never had a leak. Makes the hoses easier to slide on too.
Chuck
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 195
From: Putnam Valley, New York. Amateur Radio Operator K2NS
Silicone Glue and Silicone Grease
I put a THIN layer of black RTV silicon "goo" inside the radiator hoses, heater hoses, etc. before I slip them over the nipples.
I just put some of the RTV on the end of my finger and smear it in there. If my finger won't fit, I use a flat blade screwdriver like a spatula.
Then, I GINGERLY tighten the tower clamps. I just snug them up.
I figure that the RTV will take care of any minute "details".
Been doing it this way for years and have never had a leak. Makes the hoses easier to slide on too.
Chuck
I just put some of the RTV on the end of my finger and smear it in there.
If my finger won't fit, I use a flat blade screwdriver like a spatula. Then, I GINGERLY tighten the tower clamps. I just snug them up.
I figure that the RTV will take care of any minute "details".
Been doing it this way for years and have never had a leak. Makes the hoses easier to slide on too.
Chuck
That will work, but it makes getting those hoses off quite impossible. I can see doing that at the engine end of the radiator & heater hoses, but not at the other end. I do the opposite---I put silicone grease at the ends of all the hoses. It won't seal any leaks, but it makes them very easy to get off when the time comes---and I've had no leaks, and best of all, no broken heater core nipples. The tower clamps and Corbin clamps keep enough tension on the hoses to keep them dry.
RON
