Torque Specs

[Paulfest]

This is from my owners manual (2002 KDX 200)

[Chuck78]

Thanks for posting, Paul!

[lucy]

Is there a difference between wet torque and dry torque?

If something has a little lubricant on it do you torque it to the same spec?

[Chuck78]

Is there a difference between wet torque and dry torque?

If something has a little lubricant on it do you torque it to the same spec?

There definitely is, but Kawasaki doesn't provide that spec. I'm sure you could probably find a % spec for dry vs oiled/greased threads online somewhere though.
Being dirtbikes, they get covered in mud, washed off after, and ran through deep water quite often, so I'm inclined to put anti-sieze or grease on any threads, especially any that aren't a bolt into a blind hole.

[billie_morini]

Yes, wet tightening torque is lower than dry tightening torque!

Oil, grease, anti-seize paste, & Loctite are examples of wet materials.

The amount wet tightening torque is decreased is determined by hardware material, hardness, & size. The majority of hardware manufacturers, mechanical engineering codes & standards, and assorted charts & tables advise decreasing dry tightening torque by 25% to 40%. I usually go with 25% decease, sometimes 30%, as a shortcut to spending time to look up specific data. Although I do keep a generic printed table at my work bench, I'll use the 30% rule of thumb with softer materials.

The exception to my rule of thumb involves Loctite. The Loctite manufacturer says you should reduce dry tightening torque by 20% when using their products.

Oh, don't forget to:
1) Calibrate your torque wrenches every 2 to 3 years (very affordable services available, if you don't want to DIY),
2) Use a beam style torque wrench, instead of clicker style, on critical assemblies due to superior accuracy, and
3) Do NOT loosen tight nuts & bolts with your torque wrench because this can result in calibration loss

[Chuck78]

Yes, wet tightening torque is lower than dry tightening torque!

Oil, grease, anti-seize paste, & Loctite are examples of wet materials.

The amount wet tightening torque is decreased is determined by hardware material, hardness, & size. The majority of hardware manufacturers, mechanical engineering codes & standards, and assorted charts & tables advise decreasing dry tightening torque by 25% to 40%. I usually go with 25% decease, sometimes 30%, as a shortcut to spending time to look up specific data. Although I do keep a generic printed table at my work bench, I'll use the 30% rule of thumb with softer materials.

The exception to my rule of thumb involves Loctite. The Loctite manufacturer says you should reduce dry tightening torque by 20% when using their products.

Oh, don't forget to:
1) Calibrate your torque wrenches every 2 to 3 years (very affordable services available, if you don't want to DIY),
2) Use a beam style torque wrench, instead of clicker style, on critical assemblies due to superior accuracy, and
3) NOT loosen tight nuts & bolts with your torque wrench because this can result in calibration loss

EXCELLENT INFO, Billie!