I'm in the middle of putting my new gasket on and am to the torquing sequence and my manual calls 120 in/lbs or about 10 ft/lbs. This seems like a lot to me because I'm at 60 in/lbs now and it feels pretty dang tight. Any guidance info is appreciated, thanks.

 

Is this for your 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco???

 

Sorry, 1998 Accord EX 2.3. I'm just worried about going to much more b/c the gasket is just starting to push out in a couple spots at 60 in/lbs.

 

This gasket is a strange one and I know what you are talking about. At 10ft/lb it starts to push the gasket out like it is too much. I use between 8-9ft/lb and just watch as I tighten it and go from there.

 

Well I'm at 60in/lbs now which is about 5ft/lbs, would it be too risky to leave it at that setting and see? Can you always "tighten" it later if need be or is a one shot deal either way? I guess I could go up on the torque just a little nervous sense it is already squeezing some at 60 in/lbs.

 

My service information says the torque is 8.7 ft lbs

 

aftermarket gaskets without the metal reinforcements around the bolt holes will require less torque than oem and will split if you torque them to oem spec. Been there, done that.

 

Well this is confirmation of why I stopped at 60 in/lbs. even though it feels "tight enough" to me with the hand test choked up on the 1/4 drive I can't help but think maybe I should go a bit more anyone else have any thoughts?

 

start with middle bolts and go outwards towards the corners and you will be fine .. u can put a tiny dab of rtv on each bolt to help them stick and not back out over time .. if you make sure there is absolutely no oil on all surfaces it wont leak and you only need to snug the bolts and the four nuts

if there is any oil of any kind whatsoever count on it leaking

if there is hondabond on the block or pan use a razor to scrape it off... it needs to be flat with no leftover hondabond/rtv