T handle valve cover nuts backing out

I got my fancy Mopar Performance valve covers and a set of T handles. I'm not sure I set the studs properly. When I start the engine the vibration makes the assembly come loose.

I put the studs in finger tight. I am afraid to bear down with the T handles because I don't want to ruin my valve covers. Is there a "torque spec" to tell me when to stop?

I am not wedded to the T handles, they are for convenience of installation (motor home, beats crawling around underneath to get the outboard ones). If I junk them, what's the best bolt option for a 1976 440 with 452 heads and Mopar Performance valve covers?

Thanks.

I had a set of those a long while back.
They had lock washers.

Hmmm these did not come with washers, that's one of the reason's I'm concerned about ruining the covers. I'll consider testing that.

I have some of those on my B engine Barracuda, ended up using the Moroso gaskets and buying 2 sets of the Summit Chevy load spreaders- the triangular shaped ones. So far so good.

Use a flat washer AND a lock washer.

I had some on my 800 hp wedge and on the dyno we watched them spin counterclock wise at higher rpms. It was harmonics

I'd try lock tite, blue and maybe a lock washer? Might have room for a washer if you try a AN washer which is smaller than a reg washer. That would help protect the valve cover from the lock washer.

Make sure the valve cover are not interfering with the intake manifold too.

Loctite on the stud threads into the head and the exposed threads?

Basrnstorm is correct on the harmonics, just too much mass far away from the contact area to control with the engine vibration variations.

Joe

I always use a AN size flat washer under any bolt head I use on aluminum parts, unless the bolt has a flange built into it, to prevent wear, digging into the part and marking up the aluminum
I can't remember using a lock washer on any but why not

I wouldn't worry about bearing down on them if they are cast covers. I go as far as I can go with a 1/4" drive driver handle. I actually use a 1/4" drive ratchet but I don't lever the handle. In other words I keep the ratchet part in the palm of my hand and go until they stop.

I had some of those things and never could keep them tight. I trough them in the trash can and moved on.

yes and yes.

i have used common O-rings at times to keep fasteners from backing out from vibrations. just pick a size that "screws" onto the thread in question. the resistance from the material keeps the fastener from backing out. high temperature material would be my choice for this particular application, but i can't tell you what this material is. possibly AC O-ring material ?