Did I destroy my bike with a torque wrench

overtorque · March 29th, 2015, 08:42 PM

Hi -

New here and not for a good reason.

During an oil change, which I've done 2 previously on my own, I used a torque wrench that I had just bought trying to ensure that everything was done according to manual. I must have misunderstood the adjustments on the torque wrench - to the point I over-tightened the oil filter mounting bolt to where I not only crushed the filter but the metal bottom piece was shattered and the top part on the compartment housing the filter with the thread for the mounting bolt was stripped and destroyed. Apologies for not using specific part names I have been unable to find the details yet.

I don't know if I just totaled the entire engine, but that's my worry. Any and all help is appreciated, I've included some pictures of the damage as well.

Thanks

Alex · March 29th, 2015, 08:46 PM

(I'm sure folks will be in shortly with the required parts...)

overtorque · March 29th, 2015, 08:51 PM

exactly how I feel

Singh2jz · March 29th, 2015, 09:18 PM

paging @this dude

agentbad · March 29th, 2015, 09:49 PM

Motofool · March 29th, 2015, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overtorque

.........

I don't know if I just totaled the entire engine, but that's my worry. Any and all help is appreciated, I've included some pictures of the damage as well.

Thanks

That half of the crankcase must be replaced; there is no way to properly repair it.
The rest of the engine is good but you will need to disassemble it to replace that part.

Buying an used engine may be a quicker option.

Very sorry to see that damage.

csmith12 · March 29th, 2015, 09:59 PM

cadd · March 29th, 2015, 10:03 PM

Ouch!

agentbad · March 29th, 2015, 10:03 PM

Could you weld it, retap, and buy a new cover?

alex.s · March 29th, 2015, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentbad

Could you weld it, retap, and buy a new cover?

can't weld cast pieces very well. but maybe its actually not as bad as it looks at first sight.... maybe lol, just some jb? and a new cover? probably an easier time just replacing the engine.

Trailerboy531 · March 29th, 2015, 10:31 PM

You will spend more money on labor than you will just popping in a new motor.

Sorry dude... In the future tighten until it feels tight with a normal 17mm wrench and socket.

If you need advice to motor swaps feel free to ask here or PM me. I've done plenty recently... I'll be dropping out my motor tomorrow night actually.

alex.s · March 29th, 2015, 10:47 PM

theres actually a crush washer... you're supposed to get it in contact with the crush washer and then go a quarter turn more or something

Singh2jz · March 30th, 2015, 01:49 AM

also @PartsNinja

crazymadbastard · March 30th, 2015, 06:49 AM

dang.

cadd · March 30th, 2015, 11:40 AM

Was your torque wrench the beam type? Or is it the clicker type? I'm curious to know what your error was. If it wasn't a human error...if it was a malfunctioning torque wrench that you just purchased, maybe (????) you can prove the manufacturer is liable for the damages?

This is the very reason I don't like using a torque wrench. The only time I use a torque wrench is for the axle nuts.

Brother Michigan · March 30th, 2015, 11:45 AM

Most likely error: in-lbs aren't ft-lbs

Gotta check what unit is required and what unit is displayed on the torque wrench. I'm sure everyone has made the same mistake at one time or another; sorry to see it caused you so much trouble!

Hero Danny · March 30th, 2015, 11:54 AM

Well maybe you cou---..... umm... hmm.... yeah, I think you need a new engine. At least this will never happen again to you (I hope).

Ghostt · March 30th, 2015, 12:04 PM

Wow that suxs.

crazymadbastard · March 30th, 2015, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

I'm sure everyone has made the same mistake at one time or another

Not me

JasonJ · March 30th, 2015, 12:32 PM

Now I see how you chose your forum username.

Sorry bud.. this is pretty much catastrophic. If it were me, I'd source a used engine from a parts yard and swap it out... best, cheapest, most reliable way to fix this.

gantt · March 30th, 2015, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentbad

love the expression. just right for this thread. lol

Ghostt · March 30th, 2015, 12:57 PM

I have his signature picture right here,

ninjamunky85 · March 30th, 2015, 04:53 PM

Wow! That sux

Most expensive oil change ever

BlueRaven · March 30th, 2015, 05:28 PM

I can just imagine how your heart sunk when it broke. So sorry bro. Hopefully it won't cost too much to get it repaired.

cbinker · March 30th, 2015, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

You will spend more money on labor than you will just popping in a new motor.

Sorry dude... In the future tighten until it feels tight with a normal 17mm wrench and socket.

If you need advice to motor swaps feel free to ask here or PM me. I've done plenty recently... I'll be dropping out my motor tomorrow night actually.

one of your motors should have a crank case that would fit his...

Trailerboy531 · March 30th, 2015, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

one of your motors should have a crank case that would fit his...

agentbad · March 30th, 2015, 09:02 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281194556337

overtorque · March 31st, 2015, 01:03 PM

Conan the barbarian... apt comparison. Heart definitely dropped when this happened but its real nice having people giving helpful suggestions.

it looks like I have a spring project of swapping in a new engine likely off of ebay, unbelievable from an oil change gone wrong but it will be a hell of a learning experience.

Never using a torque wrench for routine maintenance again, and for the record it was user error not the fault of the wrench, sadly enough I don't always need a tools help to be an idiot. Thanks again for all the help.

crazymadbastard · March 31st, 2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overtorque

Conan the barbarian... apt comparison. Heart definitely dropped when this happened but its real nice having people giving helpful suggestions.

it looks like I have a spring project of swapping in a new engine likely off of ebay, unbelievable from an oil change gone wrong but it will be a hell of a learning experience.

Never using a torque wrench for routine maintenance again, and for the record it was user error not the fault of the wrench, sadly enough I don't always need a tools help to be an idiot. Thanks again for all the help.

hey glad you are not taking all the ribbing to heart, as far as not ever using a torque wrench for the filter- It is better to use it, but make sure that what you are about to do makes sense- for instance, if a wheel lug take 75 ftlbs and you think that the filter needs to take 150 FT lbs- pause for a bit and think about it. Mistakes happen and I have made my fair share. Keep on wrenching.

Ghostt · March 31st, 2015, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overtorque

Conan the barbarian... apt comparison. Heart definitely dropped when this happened but its real nice having people giving helpful suggestions.

it looks like I have a spring project of swapping in a new engine likely off of ebay, unbelievable from an oil change gone wrong but it will be a hell of a learning experience.

Never using a torque wrench for routine maintenance again, and for the record it was user error not the fault of the wrench, sadly enough I don't always need a tools help to be an idiot. Thanks again for all the help.

Seriously you need to make him you signature pic.

It's all in fun, but everyone has done something wrong at one time or another, live and learn.

Hope you get is fixed soon.

Cheers, I'm buying,

Redgeneral · April 1st, 2015, 04:53 AM

Seeing as today is April Fool's day.....did no one notice his name is "overtorque"?

agentbad · April 1st, 2015, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overtorque

Conan the barbarian... apt comparison. Heart definitely dropped when this happened but its real nice having people giving helpful suggestions.

it looks like I have a spring project of swapping in a new engine likely off of ebay, unbelievable from an oil change gone wrong but it will be a hell of a learning experience.

Never using a torque wrench for routine maintenance again, and for the record it was user error not the fault of the wrench, sadly enough I don't always need a tools help to be an idiot. Thanks again for all the help.

Really you should have 2 torque wrenches one for small jobs like this and the giant breaker bar size one for axel nuts and such. Still there are worse mistakes you can make to a bike like one that could cause a failure while riding.

gantt · April 1st, 2015, 06:41 AM

I had a wrench out of calibration once. over torqued the fuel injector hold down bolts. they broke later and dropped pieces of the hold downs into the geartrain in the rear of the engine, cost the shop I worked at almost $10,000. I loaned it out and the guy dropped it and didn't fess up. never again will I loan out a delicate tool. and I have it checked every 6 months too. its hard making these mistakes op. live and learn. all part of life. I don't use a torque wrench unless its important. internals in engine. ect. I never torque axle nuts and the like.

Brother Michigan · April 1st, 2015, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redgeneral

Seeing as today is April Fool's day.....did no one notice his name is "overtorque"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonJ

Now I see how you chose your forum username

Also, the thread was started on March 29th, so...

crazymadbastard · April 1st, 2015, 10:30 AM

So dude broke his engine to fool us???
omg he got us all!

gantt · April 1st, 2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazymadbastard

So dude broke his engine to fool us???
omg he got us all!

that's dedication right there

M42 · April 1st, 2015, 02:12 PM

I found a pic of OP

alex.s · April 1st, 2015, 02:20 PM

lmfao

Ghostt · April 1st, 2015, 02:25 PM

NICE!!!

Baron · April 1st, 2015, 03:43 PM

March 29th, 2015, 08:46 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	(I'm sure folks will be in shortly with the required parts...) __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 29th, 2015, 09:18 PM	#4
Singh2jz ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Inderveer Location: San Jose Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '07 ex250-F/J Posts: A lot.	paging @this dude __________________________________________________ The Bike \| The Truck

March 29th, 2015, 09:49 PM	#5
agentbad ninjette.org sage Name: bob Location: Earf Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250, 2006 SV650N Posts: 642
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

March 29th, 2015, 09:59 PM	#7
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

March 29th, 2015, 10:31 PM	#11
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	You will spend more money on labor than you will just popping in a new motor. Sorry dude... In the future tighten until it feels tight with a normal 17mm wrench and socket. If you need advice to motor swaps feel free to ask here or PM me. I've done plenty recently... I'll be dropping out my motor tomorrow night actually. __________________________________________________ CVMA #531

March 29th, 2015, 08:51 PM	#3
overtorque ninjette.org newbie Name: Ben Location: CA Join Date: Mar 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r Posts: 4	exactly how I feel

March 29th, 2015, 10:03 PM	#8
cadd cadd cadd cadd Name: Cadd Location: 41°21'13.1"N, 74°41'37.4"W Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '15	Ouch!

March 29th, 2015, 10:47 PM	#12
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	theres actually a crush washer... you're supposed to get it in contact with the crush washer and then go a quarter turn more or something __________________________________________________

March 30th, 2015, 01:49 AM	#13
Singh2jz ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Inderveer Location: San Jose Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '07 ex250-F/J Posts: A lot.	also @PartsNinja __________________________________________________ The Bike \| The Truck

March 30th, 2015, 06:49 AM	#14
crazymadbastard I'm crazy,your excuse is? Name: Winston Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.	dang. __________________________________________________ My Cafe Racer Build My intro post

March 30th, 2015, 11:40 AM	#15
cadd cadd cadd cadd Name: Cadd Location: 41°21'13.1"N, 74°41'37.4"W Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '15	Was your torque wrench the beam type? Or is it the clicker type? I'm curious to know what your error was. If it wasn't a human error...if it was a malfunctioning torque wrench that you just purchased, maybe (????) you can prove the manufacturer is liable for the damages? This is the very reason I don't like using a torque wrench. The only time I use a torque wrench is for the axle nuts.

March 30th, 2015, 11:45 AM	#16
Brother Michigan ninjette.org sage Name: Aaron Location: Winder, GA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718	Most likely error: in-lbs aren't ft-lbs Gotta check what unit is required and what unit is displayed on the torque wrench. I'm sure everyone has made the same mistake at one time or another; sorry to see it caused you so much trouble! __________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about.

March 30th, 2015, 11:54 AM	#17
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	Well maybe you cou---..... umm... hmm.... yeah, I think you need a new engine. At least this will never happen again to you (I hope). __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

March 30th, 2015, 12:04 PM	#18
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	Wow that suxs. __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

March 30th, 2015, 12:32 PM	#20
JasonJ ninjette.org member Name: Jason Location: Bay City, MI Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): 1980 Yamaha XS850G Midnight Special, 32k Miles; 2000 EX250F, <5000 Orig Miles Posts: 98	Now I see how you chose your forum username. Sorry bud.. this is pretty much catastrophic. If it were me, I'd source a used engine from a parts yard and swap it out... best, cheapest, most reliable way to fix this.

March 30th, 2015, 12:57 PM	#22
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	I have his signature picture right here, __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

March 30th, 2015, 04:53 PM	#23
ninjamunky85 Que Buenos Son!!! Name: Ryan Location: Grovetucky, OH Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '14	Wow! That sux Most expensive oil change ever __________________________________________________ Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!!

March 30th, 2015, 05:28 PM	#24
BlueRaven ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Lil One Location: NB Canada Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.	I can just imagine how your heart sunk when it broke. So sorry bro. Hopefully it won't cost too much to get it repaired. __________________________________________________ I'm not small, I'm fun sized

March 30th, 2015, 09:02 PM	#27
agentbad ninjette.org sage Name: bob Location: Earf Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250, 2006 SV650N Posts: 642	http://www.ebay.com/itm/281194556337

March 31st, 2015, 01:03 PM	#28
overtorque ninjette.org newbie Name: Ben Location: CA Join Date: Mar 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r Posts: 4	Conan the barbarian... apt comparison. Heart definitely dropped when this happened but its real nice having people giving helpful suggestions. it looks like I have a spring project of swapping in a new engine likely off of ebay, unbelievable from an oil change gone wrong but it will be a hell of a learning experience. Never using a torque wrench for routine maintenance again, and for the record it was user error not the fault of the wrench, sadly enough I don't always need a tools help to be an idiot. Thanks again for all the help.

April 1st, 2015, 04:53 AM	#31
Redgeneral ninjette.org guru Name: Nick Location: Ontario Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r (SOLD) - Black. 2011 ZX-6R Green/Black - 2001 Garbage Bag Green KLR650 Posts: 275	Seeing as today is April Fool's day.....did no one notice his name is "overtorque"?

April 1st, 2015, 06:41 AM	#33
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	I had a wrench out of calibration once. over torqued the fuel injector hold down bolts. they broke later and dropped pieces of the hold downs into the geartrain in the rear of the engine, cost the shop I worked at almost $10,000. I loaned it out and the guy dropped it and didn't fess up. never again will I loan out a delicate tool. and I have it checked every 6 months too. its hard making these mistakes op. live and learn. all part of life. I don't use a torque wrench unless its important. internals in engine. ect. I never torque axle nuts and the like.

April 1st, 2015, 10:30 AM	#35
crazymadbastard I'm crazy,your excuse is? Name: Winston Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.	So dude broke his engine to fool us??? omg he got us all! __________________________________________________ My Cafe Racer Build My intro post

April 1st, 2015, 02:12 PM	#37
M42 Wrench wench Name: The Stigette Location: DC/MD/VA Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): TWO HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT CUBIC CENTIMETERS (R.I.P.), SIX HUNDRED FORTY FIVE CUBIC CENTIMETERS Posts: 415	I found a pic of OP __________________________________________________
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 1st, 2015, 02:20 PM	#38
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	lmfao __________________________________________________

April 1st, 2015, 02:25 PM	#39
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	NICE!!! __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

April 1st, 2015, 03:43 PM	#40
Baron Urban Legend Name: Baron Location: Brampton, ON Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE - Circe Posts: 542	__________________________________________________ "Life is like riding - *You can either tear the fastlane in half or stay in the slipstream trying to play catch up*." -Baron

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