How stupid can I be!!!!

[Roaddawg]

So, last week after changing fluids I ended up cracking and breaking one bolt hole (lower right) on my inspection cover. Needless to say, the fluid won't stay in like that.

So, I order one from Curtis, and thank you very much for the quick delivery WSW. It arrived within two days and all seemed good again.

That was until now. Cleaned everything up, put the new gaskets on, added the primary lube, put on the new inspection cover. Yep, life is good. Really slowly started to snug up the bolts, in the proper order. Thought all is good, seem nice and tigh.............aaaaarrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!! WTF! What was that cracking sound???????

You guessed it. Now it's the top left one that broke. Well, go online and order my second one in a week.

Do you think the new square gaskets stick out further and therefore maybe not as much torque is needed??? I can't believe I can be this stupid to do this again.

So, Curtis, if you're reading this, check your WSW site and send me out another.

Thankyou and the quick shipping is really appreciated.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

You shouldn't need that much torque on these screws.
I go to 60 INCHLBS max. and I have no leaking issues.
After I get back from Redwood this year I will be working on a stainless steel version of these covers to help stop this issue.

 

[Roaddawg]

That's exactly what is needed, a steel version. Glad we can count on you Curtis.

 

[francoblay1]

You shouldn't need that much torque on these screws.
I go to 60 INCHLBS max. and I have no leaking issues.
After I get back from Redwood this year I will be working on a stainless steel version of these covers to help stop this issue.

:2thumbs:

 

[Nukeranger]

I have also learned my lesson the hard way. The Torque value in the Service Manual is too high for these inspection covers (I think 110 inch pounds). I was lucky once and then the next time.....crack oh shit. I now torque at half the spec, let the sealant setup, retorque 24 hours later at about 80% of the service manual value or around 88 inch pounds, ride and check periodically. Last time I changed fluids in the drive, I noted a slight weepage at 2500 miles so it worked out form me. But, proper application of gasket sealant is important and attention to detail will result in success.

Of course, if I crack another then it will be a replacement from Curtis for sure.

 

[BWG56]

I've done mine 6 or so times and always torqued to 108"# and it never cracked, this last time I only went to 70"#. But I would wonder if maybe some put more silicone on than necessary and don't snug them up in a criscross pattern. Work your way around, 20"# then 40"# and finally 60-70"#.

 

[jjarkys]

My lower right is broke as well. Entire backside is gone. Just noticed it. So pulled primary cover thinking piece might still be in there. It wasn't. Must have fell out earlier in the year when I serviced primary. I guess at least the primary now has a fresh quart in it, again. Little silicone on the back side of cover and hopefully problem fixed. We'll see.