Before installing my new engine, I thought I'd be kind and replace the oil seal in the transmission front cover. No problem with that, only I can't really seem to torque the bolts properly? My 'click' torque wrench just won't click! I have an old dial torque wrench and I can get all but one to about 15 ft. lbs. I removed it thinking I had stripped it, but there are no signs of that. Upon close inspection, it does seem to taper a bit though. These bolts appear to be brass.

So, I guess my question is...has anybody come across something similar? Should I order new bolts, or just leave it as is?

 

Anybody? I was just going to order new bolts from Mazda, but the Canadian warehouse has none, and the US warehouse only has 5 of the 6, so I just cancelled it.

Are these in fact brass? And if so, how important is it that I replace them with brass?

 

One last bump before I go fastener shopping later today!