[DeTomaso] Loctite vs. lock washers - you be the judge

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/23/11 12 25 11, mbefthomas at comcast.net writes:


> I'm putting the new McLeod clutch in the Pantera that I purchased from D.
> Quella.  In the factory installation instructions it advises not to use 
> lock
> washers on the pressure plate bolts, but rather to use Loctite.  What 
> sayeth
> the forum?
> 
>>>The potential problem with split locking washers is that they can break, 
and the two halves fall out, leaving the fastener completely loose.   There 
are other types of locking washers which are not split and thus are not 
subject to this danger, but standard washers can compress and deform when the 
bolt is tightened on them too.   Normally clutches are fastened using bolts 
and hardened flat washers, which will not deform in the same way.
> 
> >Is this due to the frequent heat cycling effect on the metal in a lock
> washer over time?  Would I want to use blue or red Loctite?  In there with
> blue, flat washers and 18 lbs for now.
> 
>>>Presuming this is the specified torque, I think you're fine.   Normally 
such bolts are torqued to a certain specification after being dipped in 
motor oil, but Loctite is certainly an excellent belt-and-suspenders backup.

Mike