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how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
#1501909
09/15/13 05:30 PM
09/15/13 05:30 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 915 near New Haven, CT
fireeng
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 915
near New Haven, CT
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I saw a little oil leaking from my lower center bolt on my passenger side valve cover. When I went to tighten it up a little, I found all the blots could be loosened by hand. Are they supposed to be this loose or should I snug them down?
I know there are no stupid questions....just stupid people. That's me!! Thanks for any help.
Last edited by fireeng; 09/15/13 05:31 PM.
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: fireeng]
#1501911
09/15/13 06:05 PM
09/15/13 06:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481 Chino Valley
RodStRace
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481
Chino Valley
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I know there is a torque spec for them, can't remember it off the top of my head. I tend to get them all snug, then give them about an eighth to a quarter turn, depending on the material. You can always give them a bit more, but once they are overtightened, they gotta be replaced!
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: RodStRace]
#1501912
09/15/13 06:11 PM
09/15/13 06:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,384 Madison Wi
NTOLERANCE
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,384
Madison Wi
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How old are the gaskets? They may shrink some as the get heated up. I never bothered to torque them, I use a 3/8" ratchet and watch the gasket.....guess Ive done a few... I always use right stuff gasket maker (SPARINGLY) on all my gaskets, and let it set up before using it. usually never have a leak..... You can always tighten it till it strips and back it off a 1/4 turn.
I used to care but....... things have changed
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: fireeng]
#1501913
09/15/13 07:05 PM
09/15/13 07:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,186 Wherever I am.
Junky
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,186
Wherever I am.
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I just put Moroso valve covers and Moroso rubber gaskets on my 383. I snug 'em down, rotating around a little bit at a time. I hold the ratchet kindda like a screw driver, not by the handle per se so as not to get too much leverage. Snug 'em till I like it. Have never had a problem with leaks. It's all in the feel. I've done it this way since I was a kid (15 years old in '62) on all kinds of engines and gasket material. Just sayin'
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: Junky]
#1501914
09/15/13 08:25 PM
09/15/13 08:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880 -
RSNOMO
Moparts Torchbearer
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Moparts Torchbearer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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Quote:
I hold the ratchet kindda like a screw driver, not by the handle per se so as not to get too much leverage. Snug 'em till I like it. Have never had a problem with leaks. It's all in the feel.
Yes...
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: RSNOMO]
#1501915
09/15/13 10:00 PM
09/15/13 10:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,752 North Dakota
6PakBee
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,752
North Dakota
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Snug them until they are tight enough not to leak. With valve cover, oil pan, timing cover (B/RB) and transmission pan gaskets I've bought myself more grief tightening to a specification than just snugging them down and then re-tightening them if required.
"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: fireeng]
#1501916
09/15/13 10:03 PM
09/15/13 10:03 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041 Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041
Lincoln Nebraska
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A little too loose is better than too tight. Several rounds (at least) of crisscross tightening. "The right stuff" gasket cement on the gasket will not leak
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: Carsavior]
#1501918
09/16/13 03:40 PM
09/16/13 03:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
dogdays
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
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Re: how tight are valve cover bolts supposed to be?
[Re: dogdays]
#1501919
09/16/13 11:31 PM
09/16/13 11:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 915 near New Haven, CT
fireeng
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 915
near New Haven, CT
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Thanks guys, snugged them just a bit but not too much....I hope
2016 Diesel Ram 3500 Mason Dump 1971 Challenger 2013 Jeep Wrangler 1979 Dodge Ram Power Wagon 400 Mini Pumper My other car is a Fire Truck.
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