I replaced the valve cover seal and I wanted to know the torque specs for the valve cover bolts and the sequence it should go
I have a Hayne's Manual that's for 2001 through 2003. It says to tighten all the valeve cover bolts to 40 inch pounds, initially. Then--when all are at that setting, tighten all of them to 80 inch pounds. Then when all are that tight, do the final tightening to 105 inch pounds. Sounds like a weird way to do it, but I bet it won't leak if you follow these directions .... Before doing this, apply a light coating of RTV sealant onto the corners of number 1 and number 6 camshaft bearing caps (I guess some oil will leak if this isn't done). In other words, the back corners as you're facing the engine from the front of the car. Tightening sequence: Do all the middle ones first, starting with the bolt in the middle of the valve cover, then the one just above it, then the one just below it. Then do the same sequence for the left three bolts. Then do the same sequence for the right three bolts. Then get a Hayne's manual, because it may not be perfect, but it shows a lot of torque settings and other stuff you will need in the future. I don't wrench all that often anymore, so I use a torque wrench. My bad!
A followup question... if I have already tightened the valve cover down, most likely to the incorrect torque, then drove it around for a couple of miles then let it sit for a week. Will I be able to go back and loosen the valve cover then re-tighten them to torque specs or do I need to start with new gaskets? No sealant used. The gasket was the metal and rubber combo type.
Valve covers require minimal torque and usually, it's best to err on the side of less torque, rather than more on valve covers. Best to consult a service manual for your car (year, make, model and engine size) to find the exact torque requirement. You could also google the torque value for your car per the above specs to find the correct value. In any case, I wouldn't go over about 8-10 ft pounds without verifying the actual value required. Hint: Use a 1/4 drive ratchet and LIGHTLY snug them up until you can find the correct torque value.
This Site Might Help You. RE: What is the torque specs for a valve cover? I replaced the valve cover seal and I wanted to know the torque specs for the valve cover bolts and the sequence it should go
