It appears that there is a torque spec. error that appears in some 2008 and 2009 Sportster manuals concerning the screws for the primary chain inspection cover. Those screws are 1/4"x20. The correct torque for them is 40-60 inch pounds, with about 4 foot pounds (hand tight) being nominal.

Some factory manuals give 84-120 inch pounds which is correct for a screw size of 1/2"x20 going into aluminum, but not the 1/4"x20 screws used on the primary chain inspection cover.

You might want to check the specs given in your manual as several people have stripped out the threads of their primary cover when using the incorrect torque values given in the Factory Manual.

Just a heads up.

 

thanks dude!

 

You are correct, the 40-60 INCH pounds is correct and the O-ring seal will act as a lock washer as well as being an oil seal. This is one place I don't bother with a torque wrench, just make it hand tight.

 

I just figured anything that was just a plain allen bolt would be hand tight. Is that a good assumption?

 

Man,if I can get a torque wrench on it I do!