Re: valve cover - torque

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/6/1 8:59:59

I'd bet even the factory didn't use a torque wrench for the valve covers, and almost certainly no skilled mechanic ever did. Assuming they are not distorted from overtightening (often the case), just snug them up with a short-handled wrench. My preference is to use gasket shellac or a hardening Permatex product to affix the gasket to the cover and then just a thin layer of grease on the gasket surface where it mates to the block, in that manner removal of the cover does not generally necessitate a new gasket. There is no pressure within the valve chamber so any oil that accumulates is only under the force of gravity. Just my preference but I'd NEVER use silicone gasket cement anywhere on an engine where excess can ooze out into the oiling system!