[MustangGrande302]

My 1970 Stang is ready this week to have the engine put back in, so I am replacing the oil pan(which is dented) and oil pump. My question is, when installing the oil pump, do I have to torque the bolts down to a specific torque, or do I just tighten them manually without torquing them?

 

[WestSD]

23-28ft lbs is suggested.

 

[MustangGrande302]

That's what I was afraid of. I don't have a torque wrench at home unfortunately. I also don't have the ability to drive to auto parts store or tool stores to get a torque wrench since I do not have a license yet. In addition, I don't have anyone to take me there. I also need to get this done by Friday which is the deadline for my engine to go back into the Mustang after the suspension is repaired. Is there another option you would suggest?

 

[myfirstcar66]

There are enough VMFrs in Cali somebody can probably bring you a torque wrench.

 

[MustangGrande302]

There are enough VMFrs in Cali somebody can probably bring you a torque wrench.

I can't just call somebody up and have them bring a torque wrench. Besides, I wouldn't really know them. Am I able to install the oil pump without torquing it down? If possible, I can have the shop torque down the oil pump when we take the engine there.

 

[MrFlash]

Yes. You can tighten it down without a torque wrench.
Just make it good and tight.
If you’re confident in your tools and the strength of your wrist and forearm, you know what good and tight means.

If you’re not confident, use a torque wrench.

 

[myfirstcar66]

Finger tight and one turn with a wrench then put your pan on without the gasket to protect it during transport and yeah, check it when you get to the shop, install your gasket, torque the oil pan to spec with the crisscross pattern, and fill-er-up!

 

[myfirstcar66]

I can't just call somebody up and have them bring a torque wrench....

If I wasn't on the other side of the country, you could use mine. That's part of what VMF is about.

 

[awhtx]

Harbor Freight regularly has their clicker style torque wrenches on sale for $9.99 with a coupon from their magazine ad. And if you have a fish weighing scale you can connect it to a breaker bar 1 foot from the socket and pull on the scale until it reads 25 lbs.
And I also am a proponent of the old German torque value- gutentite!