351m valve covers

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Dec 15, 2005 | 01:02 AM

j.bluhm

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From: Batavia,Illinois

351m valve covers

Does anyone know how tight the valve covers are supposed to be on a 351m. I replaced the valve cover gaskets because they were leaking like crazy...The bolts were tight. I just dont want it to start leaking again....it smoked and smelled pretty bad with oil dripping on the exhaust. Thank you

Dec 15, 2005 | 07:53 AM

74 F100 351m

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From: Okla.

10-25 lbs of trq. Did you use alittle gasket sealer?

Last edited by 74 F100 351m; Dec 15, 2005 at 07:55 AM.

Dec 15, 2005 | 05:09 PM

53fatfndr

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From: Earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74 F100 351m

10-25 lbs of trq. Did you use alittle gasket sealer?

Use Permatex super high tack and you will never have a leak. But, I guess you already replaced them. Anyway, I just snug them down, 25 ft*lbs seems a bit much.

Dec 15, 2005 | 06:22 PM

j.bluhm

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From: Batavia,Illinois

thank you very much guys. They arent leaking anymore.

Dec 15, 2005 | 10:13 PM

74 F100 351m

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From: Okla.

I sorry, I use a 1/4 drive and snug mine really well.

Dec 15, 2005 | 10:56 PM

Bill_Beyer

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From: PacNW

Uh...10-25 lbs/ft on 1/4" bolts? I'm thinking not unless you like trying to get headless bolts out of the heads. Standard TQ limits for 1/4" bolts is 6-9 lbs./ft. Maybe 10-25 lbs/in.

Dec 16, 2005 | 12:05 AM

roushracing617

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This may sound a little stupid, but no matter what engine I've replaced valve cover gaskets on, I use the same method. I use a 1/4" drive ratchet with the shortest extension possible, if any, and tighten it with my little (pinky) finger. I don't know what that comes out to as far as ft-lbs, but they never leak when I'm done.