Getting ready to put the car back together, the problem I'm having is that my ft lbs torque wrench will not accurately work below 20ft lbs. While replacing the plugs I set the wrench at 18ft lbs and never heard the click and I know I was well past 18ft lbs. With the torque values on the tensioner/cam caps at 8-10 ft lbs how do you one accuratley torque down to 8-10 ft lbs? I'm guessing by using an inch pound torque wrench, or some other technique like seating the bolt and turning it 1/4, 1/2 etc turns. Thanks in advance.

 

I have an inch pound torque wrench. Starts at 120 inch pounds (10 ft. pounds).

 

Harbor Freight has a 1/4" drive torque wrench that is probably closer than my 'thumb and two fingers' equals 18 ft lbs calibration. On sale often for $9.99. Think I have a coupon for that.

 

I have all three Harbor Freight torque wrenches. compared them with my torsion bar type and they appear to be good.

 

Cheap and dirty solution: put an extender (maybe a section of pipe) over your torque wrench to double its length. Practice on something to get a feel for how much force on the end of the extender gives 20 ft lbs. Apply that same amount of force to the wrench without extender ... ~ 10 ft lbs.

I bet you could hit it within a pound or two.