hi
motor is due for its first 20 hour service so i need to tension the heads bolts with a torque wrench. How do i get a 40cm torque wrench in there, see photo, the bolts face to the stern of the boat. Thanks in advance.

Hi Keen sailor

I am sure the length of the torque is irrelevant as I could host a party for 3 in there, as long as you can clear any motor obstacles you should be able to get to the required torque setting. however, without a downwood photo of the exposed head it is a little hard to see the swing room that you have but regardless you should not have to much problem

cisco said..

Depends on the wrench too. Some are ratcheted therefore requiring less swing room.

Having a torque wrench is good but not always necessary.

The other question is whether they should be torqued with the engine hot or cold. I am not sure on that one.

50 ft lb with a cold engine.
a racket torque wrench may be a deal breaker.
not sure how you would gauge the tightness without one though

^^^^+1 If you just gave each bolt a 1/4 of a turn with a ring spanner I am sure it would be right.

I myself wouldn't bother. Just have a look at the bolt heads to see if they have moved under all that paint. If no movement (and there won't be any) just leave it be with the factory torque settings.