changed my fluid in the heritage tonight. i have to say that the bolts felt too tight so i did not torque them to the minimum 12ft lbs, i only went to a little above 15. i dont think this will matter, but i am a little upset that i bought a torque wrench and then ended up using feel. anyone else have problems with not wanting to torque to factory specs?

 

Felt too tight so you went to 15 instead of 12? Are you dyslexic? I've always used feel for the small bolts.

 

what bolts? the side cover i use 1/4 ratchet and snug them. i use 1/2 ratchet on the drains

 

Derby cover? my 08 spec is 84-108inch lbs (7-9ft). And after reading about all the broken cover screws I always torque them.

 

+1
I use torque wrench to spec on those, I have one stripped already by some previous ham-fested mechanic

 

I used a Craftsman torque wrench on my transmission drain plug and it stripped the threads before the wrench clicked. I had to get a slightly larger automotive drain plug and force it in. Now I have to pull the trans fluid out the top with a bleeder.

Lesson- don't trust a torque wrench

 

Rob, this is the kind of thing that scares the (insert whatever you like here) out of me !

 

Using feel on those 1/4x20 allens / T-27 torx and blue locktite. A Snap-On (or decent brand $) torque wrench that hasn't been dropped is best, for motor work and axles etc, but FEEL is best on the derby / inspection / outer primary torx/allens and blue locktite....On the drain plug, wrap it with teflon tape and use feel, that is a super easy one to strip. That is why HD switched to the 5/8 hex on the primary drain.

 

I've found that sometimes with the lower settings the click isn't as clear as it is with the higher settings.

 

Did you put some Redline primary lube in there?

That stuff is great!