Liftmaster 8500 - Torsion bar question

[Westbank]

I'm about to install a LiftMaster 8500 garage door opener and I wanted to make sure the torsion bar is the right length. Did a test fit and I could install it without cutting the torsion bar if it's allowed to insert part of the torsion bar (1/2") inside the black cylinder of the LiftMaster 8500.

There are no indications on the subject in the manual. Is it ok ?

For the visual (note grey pvc conduit would be torsion bar)

 

[k-os]

My torsion bar is partially in my opener when I installed it on my 16' wide door. Works fine.

 

[wssix99]

That's the way it installs. (I recall there is a pin inside that tube to keep you from inserting it too far.)

I recall that the instructions give a spec on how far the torsion bar extends from the cable drum. With the other guidelines on the placement of the motor unit, the dimension you are looking for becomes an academic exercise to figure out.

 

[Westbank]

Thanks everyone.

It's really confusing because in the install manual it's not indicated if you can have the torsion inside the opener. I called LiftMaster and the person helping me wasn't really helpful. He said that the torsion bar should not go past the collar but mentioned that it's technically possible to have it past the collar (which is pretty obvious).

I called the garage place where I bought it and they said they do it often (having the torsion bar inside the opener).

So not sure what to think. I could simply do it and not care about LiftMaster but I find it strange that they say nothing about it in the manual.

 

[wssix99]

I looked at my doors and the instructions and the torsion bar typically goes inside the tube. Installation Step 1 tells you to do this. The instructions also say that the torsion bar needs to be at least 1-5" away from the bearing plate. So, you'll run in to problems and will likely hit that pin inside the tube if you are longer than 5".

If your bars are long, just have the wife get up there and trim them down like I did:

^
Husband: I don't think that ladder is long enough to do that safely.
Wife: I can do it.
Husband: OSHA wouldn't like that.
Wife: F$%* OSHA.

 

[mmb617]

^
Husband: I don't think that ladder is long enough to do that safely.
Wife: I can do it.
Husband: OSHA wouldn't like that.
Wife: F$%* OSHA.

I like her attitude.

I'll bet she doesn't take any **** from you!

 

[wssix99]

I like her attitude.

I'll bet she doesn't take any **** from you!

We have a healthy two-way tension. We don't piss each other off too much. I'm the skilled labor in the house and fix things. My services are very much needed and the threat of a strike is always looming...

She just has a thing for heights and an unhealthy disregard for humans' natural fear of them. ... got to make sure that insurance policy is up to date.