Valve cover bolts

[BigPoser]

In my pursuit to figure out my annoying an persistent oil leak, I changed out my valve cover gaskets. Noticed that my valve covers where bent where the bolts go and got some new valve covers.

I installed them and tightened them down. Today I now have a leak that is bigger than before. Perhaps I either tightened them too tight, or not enough? I'm really upset. From what I have learned, the torque spec is 5ft/lbs. I have a torque wrench but it doesn't go that low.

What is the best way to torque down the bolts without a torque wrench? Are load spreaders a must?

Please help.

Thanks in advance.

Brandon

 

[CSFJ]

Load spreaders always help. Torque wrenches are available in small inch lb increments, but I always tightened the valve covers by hand. 5lbs isn't much, use a 1/4 drive ratchet, and a long extension and you should be fine.

 

[Georgeb]

Make sure you are using good quality gaskets. The reusable silicone ones are really nice. If your valve covers are flt it should only take tightening the bolts with a nut driver.

 

[firebane]

If you have perimeter bolt valve covers get yourself some felpro blue gaskets. Then get some spread bars and t-handle bolts.

After you've done that if your valve covers are warped fix them. Find a flat edge and clean up the edges. Then use acetone and clean up the surfaces on the head and valve covers.

Re-install with no leaks.

 

[BigPoser]

If you have perimeter bolt valve covers get yourself some felpro blue gaskets. Then get some spread bars and t-handle bolts.

After you've done that if your valve covers are warped fix them. Find a flat edge and clean up the edges. Then use acetone and clean up the surfaces on the head and valve covers.

Re-install with no leaks.

Should the blue fel-pro gaskets go on dry? Are they reusable?

 

[firebane]

Should the blue fel-pro gaskets go on dry? Are they reusable?

Yes and yes. Its what I put on my truck and haven't a single problem. The bolt holes have little metal circles so you can't over tighten them either.

 

[BigPoser]

Yes and yes. Its what I put on my truck and haven't a single problem. The bolt holes have little metal circles so you can't over tighten them either.

Gotcha, thank you.

Not sure if I can use the T-handle bolts because it would hit my AC compressor.
Would you use them on all 8 holes?

 

[firebane]

Gotcha, thank you.

Not sure if I can use the T-handle bolts because it would hit my AC compressor.
Would you use them on all 8 holes?

Use what you can and if you can't fit the t-handles then just use a normal bolt with the spread and just hand tighten.