Leaking valve covers
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Leaking valve covers
The valve cover gaskets have been leaking profusely and so I have attempted to stop the leaks by replacing the gaskets. I have used a rubber type Felpro gasket.
Upon removal of the valve covers I found that they were pretty distorted from over tightening the bolts. I carefully straighten the covers but, found that they started to distort at about 25 in. lbs. of torque. Now here is the confusing part, the torque spec in my Haynes manual calls for the bolts to be 72 to 108 in lbs. At that torque the coves would be as distorted as when I removed them.
So, is the spec in the Haynes manual wrong? What experience have others had with the stock valve covers and the stated torque spec? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
Upon removal of the valve covers I found that they were pretty distorted from over tightening the bolts. I carefully straighten the covers but, found that they started to distort at about 25 in. lbs. of torque. Now here is the confusing part, the torque spec in my Haynes manual calls for the bolts to be 72 to 108 in lbs. At that torque the coves would be as distorted as when I removed them.
So, is the spec in the Haynes manual wrong? What experience have others had with the stock valve covers and the stated torque spec? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 201
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From: Texas
Leaking valve covers
I have always used a nutdriver and tightened the bolts by hand. Snug , not as tight as you can get them. This is with a rubber valvecover gasket glued to the cover only. I use permatex 2b. Do not use silicone. Wipe a film of oil on the head side of the gasket to prevent it from sticking and they are reusable several times.You will need to go back occoasionally and retighten, maybe twice.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 137
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Leaking valve covers
yea valve covers with a rubber gasket dont need alot of torque to keep them on without leaking
try to strieghten the edges of the covers out
use rtv to stick them to the covers and apply them
i would use just hand tighten and not tight though
try to strieghten the edges of the covers out
use rtv to stick them to the covers and apply them
i would use just hand tighten and not tight though
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