Re-torque a Fumoto valve FS-133

[Patrick0525]

This morning, I re-torqued the Fumoto valve which was installed yesterday morning. Their video suggested an 1/8 turn after contact or 177 in-lb (20 newton-meters). The problem: I was not confident the 3/8 torque wrench was set properly and it really bothered me all last night that the Fumoto would eventually back out and leak. This is on the 21 Lexus RX350.

Resolute, I got up early 5:30 AM, set the torque wrench properly, attached the 19mm feet open end, crawled back underneath in the garage and the valve did rotate clockwise ever so slightly until the torque wrench became set. Checked and it clicked twice.

Lesson learned: if ur day job is non-mechanical mentally/dry run practice before executing. Confidence in ur task really matters. It is also interesting the steel drain plug torque spec is 30 foot-lb or 40 newton-meter and the Fumoto is half that amount. No more drain plug removals and drain plug re-torque the next few years in retirement. I am hopefully done.

In the future, I am not applying for any automotive service technician position opportunities. Lol

 

[Donald]

This morning, I re-torqued the Fumoto valve which was installed yesterday morning. Their video suggested an 1/8 turn after contact or 177 in-lb (20 newton-meters). The problem: I was not confident the 3/8 torque wrench was set properly and it really bothered me all last night that the Fumoto would eventually back out and leak. This is on the 21 Lexus RX350.

Resolute, I got up early 5:30 AM, set the torque wrench properly, attached the 19mm feet open end, crawled back underneath in the garage and the valve did rotate clockwise ever so slightly until the torque wrench became set. Checked it twice.

Lesson learned: if ur day job is non-mechanical mentally/dry run practice before executing. Confidence in ur task really matters. It is also interesting the steel drain plug torque spec is 30 foot-lb or 40 newton-meter and the Fumoto is half that amount. No more drain plug removals and drain plug re-torque the next few years in retirement. I am hopefully done.

I am not applying for any future automotive service technician position opportunities. Lol

When was torque wrench last calibrated?

 

[Patrick0525]

When was torque wrench last calibrated?

It is brand new. Yes, it came with paperwork and used less than 20 times.

 

[Trav]

This morning, I re-torqued the Fumoto valve which was installed yesterday morning. Their video suggested an 1/8 turn after contact or 177 in-lb (20 newton-meters). The problem: I was not confident the 3/8 torque wrench was set properly and it really bothered me all last night that the Fumoto would eventually back out and leak. This is on the 21 Lexus RX350.

Resolute, I got up early 5:30 AM, set the torque wrench properly, attached the 19mm feet open end, crawled back underneath in the garage and the valve did rotate clockwise ever so slightly until the torque wrench became set. Checked and it clicked twice.

Lesson learned: if ur day job is non-mechanical mentally/dry run practice before executing. Confidence in ur task really matters. It is also interesting the steel drain plug torque spec is 30 foot-lb or 40 newton-meter and the Fumoto is half that amount. No more drain plug removals and drain plug re-torque the next few years in retirement. I am hopefully done.

In the future, I am not applying for any automotive service technician position opportunities. Lol

The valve is brass and hollow, higher torque may break it off.

 

[JC1]

I see your OCD got the best of you..... I've got fumoto's on two of my vehicles and I didn't use a torque wrench when I installed them more than 10 years ago.

I used to use a torque wrench when installing the regular drain plugs with aluminum crush washers. I'd set the torque to 21 ft lbs and never had leaks.

 

[Patrick0525]

I see your OCD got the best of you..... I've got fumoto's on two of my vehicles and I didn't use a torque wrench when I installed them more than 10 years ago.

I used to use a torque wrench when installing the regular drain plugs with aluminum crush washers. I'd set the torque to 21 ft lbs and never had leaks.

Yepp, OCD. Fumoto valves have been on three previous cars since 1998 and all were installed using an adjustable crescent wrench. They only leaked after 10yr+ of use and was solved after replacing the blue gasket. This time, I went all out and bought a HF crow feet set and a 3/8 torque wrench. Thank God, I didn’t buy the HF Icon set when it was on sale since it would been over-kill and totally useless. It is not the tools but the player. Lol

 

[Hirev]

OCD people will want to know. Was the crowfoot at 90 degrees?

 

[Donald]

I often use a wrench from by stubby wrench set.

They are short so not a lot of leverage and I am 72 (in a few days).

So my scientific calculations are things will be tightened between "mostly tight" and "tight" but never "over tight'.

 

[Donald]

Yepp, OCD. Fumoto valves have been on three previous cars since 1998 and all were installed using an adjustable crescent wrench. They only leaked after 10yr+ of use and was solved after replacing the blue gasket. This time, I went all out and bought a HF crow feet set and a 3/8 torque wrench. Thank God, I didn’t buy the HF Icon set when it was on sale since it would been over-kill and totally useless. It is not the tools but the player. Lol

I just put on a Valvomax but it will be awhile before I need to change my oil. So it just sits there being a plain old drain plug. It's much more massive and SS than Fumoto.

Subaru has Fumoto.

 

[Patrick0525]

OCDing again.
https://www.tekton.com/blog/how-to-accurately-use-a-torque-wrench-with-a-crowfoot-wrench

Definitely not at 90 but > 90 degrees.
I need to go home and do the calculation based on the C variable. Probably over-tightened it at 177 in-lb

 

[Patrick0525]

I should have set the torque wrench feet to
159 inch lb.

 

[Donald]

I think you are overthinking. I just would get it pretty tight. If it leaks then a smidge tighter.

Maybe get a new gasket. I will bet they will send you a new gasket free if you email and ask. Say it's leaking and you want to remove, clean, inspect and reinstall.

I believe "smidge" is a technical term mechanics learn in advanced mechanics school.