Tecumseh Engine Torque Specs

Cylinder head bolt torque at a glance

HighMediumLow= how many independent sources agree

Tecumseh stopped building engines in 2008, but the four Technician's Handbooks that cover almost every model it ever sold — L-head 3-11HP, overhead-valve, 8-18HP cast iron, and 2-cycle — are still hosted online, and every torque value below is read directly out of one of them… Read the rest ›

Tecumseh organizes its torque tables by column, not by individual model number: a single "HMSK HMXL HM" column covers the HM80, HM100, HMXL70 and HMSK80-110 Snow King at once, a separate "HSSK HS" column covers the smaller-frame HSSK40-55 Snow King, and another column covers the VM/TVM/TVXL170-220 verticals. Where Tecumseh's own 2004+ operator's manual (form 181-1275-14) prints a cross reference from those old family codes to the newer displacement-based names — LH195SA/LH195SP, LH318SA/LH358SA, OH195SA/OH195SP, OH318SA/OH358SA — both names are given together below. Where a family is named in Tecumseh's scope list but its own torque-table column could not be located in the pages fetched for this dataset, that is recorded as a gap rather than a number borrowed from a neighboring column.

Where these numbers come from. 77 published figures, 1 confirmed gap, every source named. How we checked ›

Four Tecumseh Technician's Handbooks were used: form 692509 (L-head, 3-11HP: ECV, H, HH, HM, HMSK, HS, HSK, HSSK, LAV, LEV, TNT, TVM, TVXL, TVS, V, VM), form 695244A (OHV: OHH, OHHSK/OHSK, OHV11-17, OVM, OVRM, OVXL), form 691462A (8-18HP cast iron: VH80/100, HH80/100/120, OH120-180), and form 692508 (2-cycle: AH520/600, AV520/600, HSK600, TVS600) — all hosted at mymowerparts.com. A fifth document, Tecumseh's "4-Cycle Engine Operator's Manual" form 181-1275-14, prints the manufacturer's own old-code-to-new-name cross reference on its cover ("LH195SA/LH195SP (HSSK40-55)", "LH318SA/LH358SA (HMSK80-110)", "OH195SA/OH195SP (OHSK50-75)", "OH318SA/OH358SA (OHSK80-130)") and states that the SAME two Technician's Handbooks (692509, 695244A) are the correct service manual for those newer-name models — no torque-bearing manual printed under the new names was located, so every row below is sourced from the old-code column and cross-referenced to the new name via this document, rather than from an invented same-name table. This replaces a prior version of this page whose numbers did not trace to any Tecumseh manual: every 4-cycle row read a flat "15 ft-lb" spark plug torque against a real, universal 250 in-lb (21 ft-lb) figure, and two of its six model rows ("LH195SA" attached to a fabricated OHV spec, and "OH195 / OH318" with no OHSK80-130 source at all) used model numbers or values that do not appear in any Tecumseh manual fetched for this dataset. Every torque cell below has been cross-checked directly against the manual's own torque table (p.91-92 for form 692509, p.86-87 for form 695244A), which corrected two figures an earlier pass had marked as unconfirmed gaps: the HSSK/HS column's cylinder head bolt (in fact 200 in-lb, ticked across all fourteen L-head columns, not just HMSK/HM) and the OHSK80-130/OVM/OVXL/OHM/OHV11-17 column's cylinder head bolt (230 in-lb, ticked across all six OHV columns on p.86, not published only for OVRM/OHH/OHSK50-70 as first thought). The HM/HMSK connecting-rod bolt (210 in-lb) was also confirmed rather than left as a gap. The families still shown as genuine gaps — the LAV/LEV/TNT/ECV/VLV/TVS L-head verticals, and the larger-frame HSK H50-60/HSK H70 L-head horizontals — really do have their own torque-table columns in Tecumseh's manuals whose specific figures were not located in the pages fetched for this dataset; the universal spark-plug torque and gap rows still apply to them.

Tecumseh HM / HMSK Snow King & Medium Frame (L-Head Horizontal) Manufacturer-published

series HMSK80-110 = LH318SA, LH358SA (per Tecumseh's own cross reference, form 181-1275-14); also HM70-100, HMXL70 per the L-head manual's scope list (form 692509), "HMSK HMXL HM" torque-table column. HSSK40-55 (= LH195SA/LH195SP) uses its own "HSSK HS" column — see the separate Tecumseh HSSK/HS engine below rather than this one.

From Tecumseh's L-Head Technician's Handbook, form 692509, torque table p.91-92 ("HMSK HMXL HM" column) and valve-clearance table p.95-96.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolts 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
≈16.7 ft-lb (22.5 N·m). "Always replace the head gasket and torque the head bolts in 50 inch pound increments in the numbered sequence to… Why › 200 inch pounds (22.5 Nm)" — diagram 25 sequence. Current-production HM80/HM100 use flat washers only on head bolts 2 and 3 (shared with the gas-tank mounting bolts); every other HM80/HM100 head bolt uses a flat + belleville washer.
connecting rod bolts 210 in-lb≈ 17.5 ft-lbHigh
210 in-lb (17.5 ft-lb / 24 N·m as printed). Why › HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91. Reached in 50 in-lb (5.5 Nm) steps: "The rod bolts should be torqued in 50 inch pound (5.5 Nm) increments until the specified torque is achieved" — that 5.5 Nm is the per-step increment, not the final total.
flywheel nut (standard ignition) 475 in-lb≈ 39.6 ft-lbHigh ≈40 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91.
flywheel nut (external ignition) 700 in-lb≈ 58.3 ft-lbHigh ≈58 ft-lb — noticeably higher than the standard-ignition figure. Same column, p.91. Use a flywheel holding tool, never the starter rope.
cylinder cover or flange (Powerlok) 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh
≈10.5 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91-92. Why › "Apply a drop of Loctite 242 to the cover screw threads and re-torque to the recommended specification. Always use new oil seals and gaskets after disassembly."
ignition mounting, to stud 45 in-lb≈ 3.8 ft-lbHigh ≈3.75 ft-lb (the manual rounds this to 4 ft-lb). HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91.
intake pipe to cylinder 120 in-lb= 10 ft-lbHigh ≈10 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91.
carburetor to intake pipe 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh
≈5.8 ft-lb (the manual rounds this to 6 ft-lb). Why › This 70 in-lb figure is the same across every L-head family and the OHV manual (p.86) — one of the few Tecumseh specs that does not vary by column.
magneto stator to cylinder 65 in-lb≈ 5.4 ft-lbHigh ≈5.4 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92.
recoil starter, top mount 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh ≈4.2 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.91-92.
electric starter to cylinder (type 1) 65 in-lb≈ 5.4 ft-lbHigh
≈5.4 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92. Why › Two electric-starter mounting torques are ticked in this column — 65 and 95 in-lb, for two different starter housing types. Match the figure to your starter, not to the lower number by default.
electric starter to cylinder (type 2) 95 in-lb≈ 7.9 ft-lbHigh
≈7.9 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92. Why › The second of two electric-starter mounting torques Tecumseh ticks for this column (see type 1, 65 in-lb) — check which starter housing your engine actually has.
muffler mounting 120 in-lb= 10 ft-lbHigh ≈10 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92.
muffler mounting, flanged 80 in-lb≈ 6.7 ft-lbHigh ≈6.7 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92 — a separate figure from the standard muffler mounting row above for a flanged-style muffler.
muffler mounting, shoulder bolt 110 in-lb≈ 9.2 ft-lbHigh ≈9.2 ft-lb. HMSK/HMXL/HM column, p.92 — the only column ticked for this row.
spark plug 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh
21 ft-lb. Universal across every 4-cycle family the L-head manual covers (p.91) and the OHV manual (p.86) alike — including HSSK/HS and… Why › every other family in this dataset except the 2-cycle and cast-iron lines, which use their own ranges. Gap 0.030 in (0.762 mm).

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • ignition module air gap (solid-state models): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: "All solid state models have air gap settings of .0125" (.3175 mm), spark plug gap of .030" (.762 mm), valve seat angle of 46°." L-head manual p.86, repeated at every family-spec table.
  • valve clearance, intake (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.008 in (0.203 mm). L-head manual p.95-96, shared by the HM70-100 column and the TVM170/195/220, V80, H70, HHM80 and VM70-100 columns in the same table.
  • valve clearance, exhaust (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.012 in (0.305 mm). Same table as the intake row above.

Tecumseh HSSK / HS Snow King (L-Head Horizontal, Small Frame) Manufacturer-published

series HSSK40-55 = LH195SA, LH195SP (per Tecumseh's own cross reference, form 181-1275-14). The L-head manual's "HSSK HS" torque-table column also covers HS40-50, but note the manual has two SEPARATE columns for the larger-frame "HSK H50-60" and "HSK H70" horizontals with their own values (e.g. a 170 and 210 in-lb rod bolt respectively) — those are not folded into this engine and are not otherwise covered in this dataset.

From Tecumseh's L-Head Technician's Handbook, form 692509, torque table p.91-92, "HSSK HS" column, and the small-frame engine-specification table (HSSK 50-55) in the same handbook.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolts 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
≈16.7 ft-lb (22.5 N·m). Same 200 in-lb figure and staged 50 in-lb procedure as every other column on this table — p.91 ticks "Cyl. Why › Head Bolts 200 / 16.5 ft-lb / 22.5 N·m" for all fourteen columns, including "HSSK HS".
connecting rod bolts 105 in-lb≈ 8.8 ft-lbHigh
105 in-lb (8.5 ft-lb / 11.5 N·m as printed; 105 ÷ 12 = 8.75). Why › "HSSK HS" column, p.91. Reached in 50 in-lb (5.5 Nm) steps: "The rod bolts should be torqued in 50 inch pound (5.5 Nm) increments until the specified torque is achieved" — that 5.5 Nm is the per-step increment, not the final total.
cylinder cover or flange 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh ≈9.6 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91-92 — a lower figure than the 125 in-lb Powerlok cover used on the HMSK/HM and VM/TVM/TVXL columns.
flywheel nut (aluminum flywheel) 450 in-lb≈ 37.5 ft-lbHigh ≈37.5 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91.
flywheel nut (cast iron flywheel) 550 in-lb≈ 45.8 ft-lbHigh
≈45.8 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91 — both figures are lower than the HMSK/HM column's 475/700 in-lb standard/external-ignition pair; do not… Why › cross-apply between the two columns.
ignition mounting, stud to cylinder 35 in-lb≈ 2.9 ft-lbHigh ≈2.9 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91.
ignition mounting, to stud 45 in-lb≈ 3.8 ft-lbHigh ≈3.75 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91.
intake pipe to cylinder 95 in-lb≈ 7.9 ft-lbHigh ≈7.9 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91 — lower than the 120 in-lb HMSK/HM figure.
carburetor to intake pipe 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh ≈5.8 ft-lb. Same universal figure as every other L-head family and the OHV manual, p.86/91.
muffler mounting, lock tabs 72.5 in-lb≈ 6.0 ft-lbHigh ≈6 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.92.
muffler mounting, flanged 80 in-lb≈ 6.7 ft-lbHigh ≈6.7 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.92.
magneto stator to cylinder 65 in-lb≈ 5.4 ft-lbHigh ≈5.4 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.92.
recoil starter, top mount 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh ≈4.2 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.91-92.
recoil starter, 8-32 thread-forming8-32 22.5 in-lb≈ 1.9 ft-lbHigh ≈1.9 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.92 — a second, lighter recoil-starter fastener spec for the thread-forming 8-32 screw variant.
electric starter to cylinder 65 in-lb≈ 5.4 ft-lbHigh ≈5.4 ft-lb. "HSSK HS" column, p.92.
spark plug 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh 21 ft-lb. Universal across every 4-cycle family the L-head manual covers (p.91), including this HSSK/HS column. Gap 0.030 in (0.762 mm).

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • ignition module air gap (solid-state models): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: "All solid state models have air gap settings of .0125" (.3175 mm), spark plug gap of .030" (.762 mm), valve seat angle of 46°." L-head manual p.86, repeated at every family-spec table.
  • valve clearance, intake (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.004 in (0.10 mm). Small-frame engine-specification table (HSSK 50-55) in the same handbook; older HSSK50 "M" and earlier share the same figure.
  • valve clearance, exhaust (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.008 in (0.20 mm). Same reference as the intake row above.

Tecumseh VM / TVM / TVXL 170-220 (L-Head Vertical) Manufacturer-published

series VM70-100; TVM125-220; TVXL170-220 — Tecumseh groups TVXL170-220 in the same torque-table column as TVM (an L-head family, despite the "XL" styling suggesting overhead valve). The L-head manual's scope list (form 692509) also names LAV30-50, LEV80-120, TNT100-120, ECV100-120, VLV, and TVS75-120/TVXL105-115 among its vertical-shaft families, but those sub-families' own torque-table columns were not located in the pages fetched — see the gap row below.

From Tecumseh's L-Head Technician's Handbook, form 692509, torque table p.91-92, "VM TVM&TVXL170,195,220" column.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolts 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
≈16.7 ft-lb (22.5 N·m). Same 200 in-lb figure and staged 50 in-lb procedure as the HMSK/HM column (p.90-91) — "torque the head bolts in 50… Why › inch pound increments in the numbered sequence to 200 inch pounds (22.5 Nm)", diagram 25.
connecting rod bolts 210 in-lb≈ 17.5 ft-lbHigh
210 in-lb (17.5 ft-lb / 24 N·m as printed). Why › "VM TVM&TVXL170,195,220" column, p.91-92. Reached in 50 in-lb (5.5 Nm) steps: "The rod bolts should be torqued in 50 inch pound (5.5 Nm) increments until the specified torque is achieved" — that 5.5 Nm is the per-step increment, not the final total.
cylinder cover or flange (Powerlok) 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh ≈10.5 ft-lb. Same column, p.91-92.
flywheel nut (standard ignition) 475 in-lb≈ 39.6 ft-lbHigh ≈40 ft-lb. Same figure as the HMSK/HM column, p.91.
flywheel nut (external ignition) 700 in-lb≈ 58.3 ft-lbHigh ≈58 ft-lb. Use a flywheel holding tool, never the starter rope.
ignition mounting, to stud 45 in-lb≈ 3.8 ft-lbHigh ≈3.75 ft-lb. "VM TVM&TVXL170,195,220" column, p.91.
intake pipe to cylinder 110 in-lb≈ 9.2 ft-lbHigh ≈9.2 ft-lb. "VM TVM&TVXL170,195,220" column, p.91 — lower than the 120 in-lb figure ticked for the HMSK/HM column; do not cross-apply between the two.
muffler mounting 120 in-lb= 10 ft-lbHigh ≈10 ft-lb. "VM TVM&TVXL170,195,220" column, p.92.
carburetor to intake pipe 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh ≈5.8 ft-lb. Same universal figure as every other L-head family and the OHV manual, p.86.
spark plug 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh 21 ft-lb. Universal 4-cycle figure, p.91. Gap 0.030 in (0.762 mm).

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • ignition module air gap (solid-state models): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.0125 in (0.3175 mm) air gap, 0.030 in (0.762 mm) plug gap, 46° valve seat angle. L-head manual p.86.
  • valve clearance, intake (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.008 in (0.203 mm). L-head manual p.95-96, shared table (TVM170/195/220 and VM70-100 columns).
  • valve clearance, exhaust (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.012 in (0.305 mm). Same table as the intake row above.
1 spec not published — cylinder head bolts (LAV/LEV/TNT/ECV/VLV/TVS column) What we found ›
  • cylinder head bolts (LAV/LEV/TNT/ECV/VLV/TVS column)GAP: LAV30-50, LEV80-120, TNT100-120, ECV100-120, VLV, and TVS75-120/TVXL105-115 are named in the L-head manual's scope list but their own torque-table column figures were not located in the pages fetched for this dataset. The universal spark-plug torque (250 in-lb) and gap (0.030 in) rows above still apply to these families.

Tecumseh OHV — OHH, OHSK, OVRM, OVM, OVXL, OHV11-17 Manufacturer-published

series OHH50-65; OHSK50-75 = OH195SA, OH195SP; OHSK80-130 = OH318SA, OH358SA (both per form 181-1275-14); OVRM40-675 (incl. OVRM105); OVM120; OVXL/C120, OVXL120, OVXL125; OHV11-OHV17. The OHV Technician's Handbook (form 695244A) splits these into torque-table columns "OVRM", "OHH50-65/OHSK50-70", "OVXL,OHM,OVM & OHSK80-130", "OHV11-13", "OHV110-135/206 Series" and "OHV135-145/203 Series, OHV15-17.5/204 Series" on the main p.86 torque table — cylinder head bolts are ticked at the same 230 in-lb across all six. The accessory-hardware table on p.87 pairs OHSK with OHV11-13 in its own "OHSK & OHV11-13" column, which is not identical to p.86's column groupings.

From Tecumseh's Overhead Valve Technician's Handbook, form 695244A, torque table p.86-87 and valve-clearance table p.84.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolts 230 in-lb≈ 19.2 ft-lbHigh
≈19 ft-lb (26 N·m). "Always replace the head gasket and torque the head bolts in 60 inch pound (6.7 Nm) increments in the numbered sequence"… Why › — diagram 23 for OVRM/OHH50-65/OHSK50-70 vs diagram 24 for OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 (different bolt patterns), but the SAME 230 in-lb final figure: p.86 ticks "Cylinder Head Bolts 230 / 19 ft-lb / 26 N·m" across all six torque-table columns.
flywheel nut (aluminum flywheel) 450 in-lb≈ 37.5 ft-lbHigh 35 ft-lb, as printed. OVRM/OHH/OHSK50-70 column, p.86.
flywheel nut (cast iron flywheel) 550 in-lb≈ 45.8 ft-lbHigh 46 ft-lb, as printed. Ticked only for the OHH50-65/OHSK50-70 column specifically — not OVRM, which is not marked for this row.
connecting rod bolts (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 columns) 220 in-lb≈ 18.3 ft-lbHigh ≈18.3 ft-lb. p.86.
cylinder cover or flange (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 columns) 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh ≈10.4 ft-lb. p.86.
flywheel nut (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 columns) 700 in-lb≈ 58.3 ft-lbHigh ≈58.3 ft-lb. p.86 — noticeably higher than the OVRM/OHH/OHSK50-70 column's 450/550 in-lb figures; do not cross-apply between the two.
ignition mounting, to stud (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 columns) 45 in-lb≈ 3.8 ft-lbHigh ≈3.75 ft-lb. p.86.
ignition mounting, stud to cylinder (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130/OHV11-17 columns) 40 in-lb≈ 3.3 ft-lbHigh ≈3.3 ft-lb. p.86.
intake pipe to head (all OHV columns) 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh ≈9.6 ft-lb. p.86 — ticked across all six torque-table columns, including OVRM and OHH50-65/OHSK50-70.
muffler mounting, flanged to manifold (OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130 & OHV110-135 columns) 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh ≈16.7 ft-lb. p.86 — ticked for the "OVXL,OHM,OVM,&OHSK" and "OHV110-135/206" columns; a much heavier muffler joint than anything on the L-head manual.
rocker arm stud lock nut 120 in-lb= 10 ft-lbHigh 10 ft-lb, p.87 — the "OHSK & OHV11-13" accessory-hardware column.
rocker arm hex jam nut 18 in-lb≈ 1.5 ft-lbHigh ≈1.5 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column — a distinct, much lighter fastener from the rocker arm stud lock nut above.
rocker arm studs 190 in-lb≈ 15.8 ft-lbHigh ≈15.8 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column.
manifold mounting (shoulder bolt) 160 in-lb≈ 13.3 ft-lbHigh
13.5 ft-lb, p.87 — ticked for the "OVXL/OHM/OVM" and "OHSK & OHV11-13" columns, plus the two larger OHV110-135/206 and OHV135-145/203 &… Why › OHV15-17.5/204 series columns. Not ticked for OVRM or OHH50-65/OHSK50-70, whose manifold hardware is not broken out separately in the pages fetched.
recoil starter (type 1) 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh
≈4.2 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column. Why › Two recoil-starter mounting torques are ticked in this column — 50 and 80 in-lb, for two different starter/housing configurations; match to your engine.
recoil starter (type 2) 80 in-lb≈ 6.7 ft-lbHigh ≈6.7 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column. The second of two recoil-starter mounting torques ticked in this column (see type 1, 50 in-lb).
electric starter 100 in-lb≈ 8.3 ft-lbHigh ≈8.3 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column.
alternator/ignition coil assembly mounting 90 in-lb≈ 7.5 ft-lbHigh ≈7.5 ft-lb. p.87, "OHSK & OHV11-13" column.
carburetor to intake pipe 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh ≈5.8 ft-lb. Same universal figure as the L-head manual, p.86.
spark plug 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh
21 ft-lb. Universal across the OHV manual (p.86) — same figure as the L-head manual, and the same across every column including… Why › OHSK80-130/OVM/OVXL/OHM/OHV11-17. Gap 0.030 in (0.762 mm).

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • ignition module air gap (solid-state models): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: "All solid state models have air gap settings of .0125" (.3175 mm), spark plug gap of .030" (.762 mm), valve seat angle of 46°." OHV manual p.71, repeated at every family-spec table.
  • valve clearance, intake and exhaust (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.004 in (0.10 mm), same figure for both intake and exhaust. OVRM/OHH/OHSK50-70 column, p.84. Not confirmed for the OHSK80-130/OVM/OVXL/OHM/OHV11-17 columns — do not assume this figure carries over without checking your engine's own spec table.

Tecumseh Cast Iron — VH80/VH100, HH80/HH100/HH120, OH120-180 Manufacturer-published

series VH80, VH100, HH80, HH100, HH120 (non-valve-in-head); OH120, OH140, OH150, OH160, OH180 (valve-in-head). No OH-prefixed cast-iron model above OH180 exists in this manual (form 691462A) — "OH195" and "OH318" as they appeared on the prior version of this page do not appear in any Tecumseh manual fetched for this dataset and are not used here.

From Tecumseh's 8-18HP Cast Iron Technician's Handbook, form 691462A, torque tables p.70 (non-valve-in-head) and p.73 (valve-in-head), and valve-clearance table p.71.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolts 180–240 in-lbHigh
15-20 ft-lb, converted from the printed in-lb — a range across the two tables (p.70 non-VIH, p.73 VIH) rather than one flat figure. Why › The cast-iron tables print only in-lb and N·m columns, no ft-lb.
flywheel nut 600–660 in-lbHigh 50-55 ft-lb, converted from the printed in-lb, p.70/73.
spark plug 220–280 in-lbHigh 18.3-23.3 ft-lb, converted from the printed in-lb, p.70/73 — a wider range than the flat 250 in-lb the L-head and OHV manuals use. Gap is still 0.030 in.
oil drain plug (3/8"-18 NPT)3/8"-18 NPT 80–100 in-lbHigh 6.7-8.3 ft-lb. "3/8 18" denotes a 3/8"-18 NPT pipe thread, not a 3/8" square-drive socket size — p.70 & p.73.
oil drain cap 35–50 in-lbHigh 2.9-4.2 ft-lb.
rocker arm box to cylinder head 80–90 in-lbHigh ≈6.7-7.5 ft-lb. p.73.
electric starter, straight drive 140–170 in-lbHigh 11.7-14.2 ft-lb, p.73.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • valve clearance, intake (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.005 in (0.127 mm). OH120-180, p.71.
  • valve clearance, exhaust (cold): Not a torque spec -- clearance value: 0.010 in (0.254 mm). Same table as the intake row above, p.71.

Tecumseh 2-Cycle — AH520/AH600, AV520/AV600, HSK600, TVS600 Manufacturer-published

series AH520, AH600, AV520, AV600, HSK600, TVS600 — one shared "TABLE OF TORQUE LIMITS", not split by sub-family.

From Tecumseh's 2-Cycle Technician's Handbook, form 692508, p.62.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder to crankcase joint 80–100 in-lbHigh ≈6.7-8.3 ft-lb. 2-cycle engines have no separate cylinder head — cylinder and crankcase form the joint this figure torques.
flywheel nut 264–324 in-lbHigh 22-27 ft-lb, converted from the printed in-lb. The 2-cycle table prints only in-lb and N·m columns, no ft-lb.
connecting rod screws (aluminum rod) 40–50 in-lbHigh ≈3.3-4.2 ft-lb.
connecting rod screws (steel rod) 70–80 in-lbHigh ≈5.8-6.7 ft-lb. Check which rod material your engine uses before assuming a figure.
spark plug 192–264 in-lbHigh 16-22 ft-lb — a range, unlike the flat 250 in-lb the 4-cycle L-head/OHV manuals use. Gap is still 0.030 in, same as every other Tecumseh family.
carburetor mounting nuts 60–75 in-lbHigh ≈5-6.25 ft-lb.
muffler mounting screws 80–100 in-lbHigh ≈6.7-8.3 ft-lb.
electric starter mounting screws 65–85 in-lbHigh ≈5.4-7 ft-lb.

What is the cylinder head bolt torque on a Tecumseh HM80, HM100 or HMSK Snow King engine?

200 in-lb (≈16.7 ft-lb, 22.5 N·m), reached in 50 in-lb increments in the numbered diagram sequence — Tecumseh's L-head Technician's Handbook (form 692509) says: "Always replace the head gasket and torque the head bolts in 50 inch pound increments in the numbered sequence to 200 inch pounds (22.5 Nm)." The same figure and procedure apply to the VM/TVM/TVXL170-220 vertical column. Tecumseh's HMSK80-110 corresponds to the newer LH318SA/LH358SA name, per the manufacturer's own cross reference (form 181-1275-14).

What is the head bolt torque on a Tecumseh OHV engine (OHH, OHSK, OVRM)?

230 in-lb (≈19 ft-lb, 26 N·m), reached in 60 in-lb increments — the OHV Technician's Handbook (form 695244A) says: "Always replace the head gasket and torque the head bolts in 60 inch pound (6.7 Nm) increments in the numbered sequence." This figure is ticked across all six of the manual's p.86 torque-table columns, so it applies to OVRM/OHH50-65/OHSK50-70 (= OH195SA/OH195SP) and to OVXL/OHM/OVM/OHSK80-130 (= OH318SA/OH358SA)/OHV11-17 alike — only the numbered bolt-pattern diagram differs between the two groups (diagram 23 vs 24), not the final torque.

How do I torque a Tecumseh connecting rod cap?

In 50 in-lb increments up to the specified final torque: Tecumseh's manual says "The rod bolts should be torqued in 50 inch pound (5.5 Nm) increments until the specified torque is achieved." The final figure varies by family: 210 in-lb (≈17.5 ft-lb) for the HMSK/HM and VM/TVM/TVXL170-220 columns, but only 105 in-lb (≈8.75 ft-lb) for the smaller-frame HSSK/HS column — check which column your engine belongs to before assuming a number.

What is the solid-state ignition air gap on a Tecumseh engine?

0.0125 in (0.3175 mm), per identical wording in both the L-head manual (p.86) and the OHV manual (p.71): "All solid state models have air gap settings of .0125" (.3175 mm), spark plug gap of .030" (.762 mm), valve seat angle of 46°." The same sentence is repeated at every family-spec table in both manuals, so it applies across the Tecumseh 4-cycle range.

Do I need to replace a sheared Tecumseh flywheel key?

Yes — Tecumseh's manuals treat it as a required, model-matched replacement, not a generic part: "The flywheel key locates the flywheel to the crankshaft in the proper position. If a flywheel key is sheared, or partially sheared, the engine will not start or be difficult to start." The OHV manual adds: "Always replace flywheel keys by Model" — match the replacement key to your specific engine rather than swapping in whatever sheared key is on hand.

What torque does the crankcase/cylinder cover use on reassembly, and is there anything else to do?

Tecumseh specifies a drop of thread locker and new seals: "When reinstalling the cover, apply a drop of Loctite 242 to the cover screw threads and re-torque to the recommended specification. Always use new oil seals and gaskets after disassembly." The specification itself is 125 in-lb (≈10.5 ft-lb) for the Powerlok-style cover on both the HMSK/HM and VM/TVM/TVXL170-220 L-head columns.

Where do these Tecumseh numbers come from, and why do they differ from what used to be on this page?

Every numeric row traces to one of four Tecumseh Technician's Handbooks (forms 692509, 695244A, 691462A, 692508), each hosted at mymowerparts.com, plus Tecumseh's own old-code-to-new-name cross reference (form 181-1275-14). The version of this page it replaces read a flat "15 ft-lb" spark plug torque against a real, universal 250 in-lb (21 ft-lb) figure, and two of its six rows used model numbers ("LH195SA" attached to a fabricated OHV spec, "OH195 / OH318" with no OHSK80-130 source) that do not appear in any Tecumseh manual. Where a named family's own torque-table column could not be located in the manual pages fetched for this rebuild, that is now shown as an explicit gap rather than filled in from a neighboring column.

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