Torque Wrench Calibration Problems

[matt63]

After having head gasket problems on my 408 (couldn't keep coolant in the engine) I had my torque wrench calbrated.  It was undertorquing by 15 ft lb at 100 ft lb.  I'm no rocket surgeon but I'm guessing that this may have been the problem after spending $$$ to switch to Cometic MLS gaskets which required remaching the block deck.  I'll drop the headers and retorque again once I get some motivation when the snow melts in a couple of months.  Fortunately the rod bolts were torqued with a higher quality torque wrench that actually came with a calibration certificate (it doesn't go past 70 ft lb).  I'll also have to retorque the main caps.  It would of been alot cheaper and less frustrating to get the wrench calibrated before this engine work!  I got to the point where I was going to sell this car.

[R/T]

Man, that bites the big one!
  :stomp:Sorry to hear you had so much trouble.

[loco340cuda]

Where do you get a torque wrench calibrated?

[matt63]

A local industrial instrument company called Kingsway Instruments.
 

[JS27N0B]

Were you using a name brand wrench? eg Snap-On.

[matt63]

Nope.  It was a cheaper click type unit.  I have a better one for rod bolts but it only goes up to 70 ft lb.

[71GTX]

When torquing, I would suggest using a breakaway style torque wrench and a bigger name brand. Also as has been stated, have it checked every so often. Its cheaper in the long run....

[heminut]

You should also always store your torque wrenches set to zero, and NEVER use a torque wrench for breaking bolts loose!