[lads_john]

When replacing my vavle covers (289); what should I torque them down to?

[Veronica]

Hello.If you have the standard steel valve covers,it's about 8 ft/lbs.I've never used a torque wrench on valve cover bolts though.I always go by feel ,starting with the front two then the middle two then the back two.I also do it in three stages.First just run them in until they touch,then snug them up a little then snug them up a little more.Start with clean,dry surfaces and you shouldn't have any problems.Hope that helps.

[wrenchman]

I'm sorry but I differ with Veronica on one small point. As a general rule (there are exceptions to every rule...) it is best to start with the bolts in the middle of any component being torqued down, then work outward in a circular or a criss-cross pattern. Especially with stamped steel parts, which have a fair amount of flex to them, it is easy to distort the sealing surfaces if tightening begins at one end.

Just my two cents, (but it's based on almost 30 years of turning wrenches for a living...) Not trying to step on anyone's toes. Just relating what I've experienced.

[Veronica]

Hi again.I also normally use that start in the middle and zig zag outwards on most things,like cylinder heads,intake manifolds,etc....On that sort of thing it is very important to torque them down correctly and in the correct sequence.And,as wrenchman said,that is the correct way to do the valve covers also.It's been my experience that the distortion in the valve covers is usually at the bolt holes resulting from someone being a little too enthusiastic about bolting them on.Before I install the valve covers I always bead blast them,flush out every particle of blast media, flatten the lip back out and then paint them.Then I run some two inch 1/4-20 bolts that I've cut the heads off of into the holes for a guide,slip the gasket on and then put the valve covers on.With cork gaskets I don't use sealant of any sort.I've never had one start leaking on me.And as a side note,please feel free to 'step on my toes' at any time.Especially when you are right.

[wrenchman]

Right on Veronica! And it's because of that "distortion thing" that I much prefer cast aluminum over stamped steel