Valve cover tightening torque/and sequence

[LCOX]

For the lower 11 stud valve covers anyone know the proper tightening torque and tightening sequence.

It's a 77 911

Also the proper tightening torque for the round sump plate on the bottom of the engine.

Thanx L

[na2ub]

Valve covers are torqued from the middle out, alternating top / bottom. I think the torque is 8 ft-lbs, but not sure. Get a Bently manual.

[LCOX]

ok thanx doug

[Tippy]

Or think of it as a spiral going outward starting with the inner nuts first if that makes sense.

[Peter Zimmermann]

LINK: How can I feel 6lbs. of torque?

Please pay particular attention to post #21.

[azhodge]

For the tightening sequence non of these answers make me feel very good. Is this why so many people have valve cover leaks. Using an oem gasket I would think that the sequence would be something like upper then lower center, upper right next to center, lower left next to center, lower right next to center, upper left next to center. Moving outward. I can't find any reference to sequence in Bentley or wayne. everything on "other engines" taught you torque from center out in a star pattern. and of course for very high torque items like heads you do it in two stages. I can see people starting at one end of the cover and just moving along to the other end. Like I said, if I did not see so much about cover leaks I would say I was being over complicating. ps.. three valve adjustments and I have never had a leak on my 88. tear me up...

[sugarwood]

Just keep in mind it's not a pressurized seal. That is all you need to know.


I think I read somewhere in here that you just turn until it stops, and then maybe a very light tug.
With a tiny 1/4" ratchet, you don't generate much torque to overkill it.

[DRACO A5OG]

Go over the nuts several times to insure they are snugged to torque spec

+1 get a 1/4" drive torque wrench if you plan to diy your valve adjust

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

With a tiny 1/4" ratchet, you don't generate much torque to overkill it.

Exactly - just hold the ratchet with your thumb and a couple fingers and it's a pretty big feat to actually over-torque such simple fasteners (assuming use of original-style, paper gaskets here).

Dracholio, you actually use a torque wrench for fasteners like those - holy jebuz, I didn't think you were such a noob?!?!?!

[azhodge]

So...why so many comments about reoccurring, persistent leaks. it can't be layed at the feet of warped covers.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

^^^

My guess is that it is from people being too lily-livered with their tightening torque (aka - not getting them tight enough after reading about the original, dainty torque specs), so the gasket gets wet and then no amount of further tightening stops leakage after the fact - similar in a way to how people experience rocker shaft walking when tightening old fasteners/shaft assemblies to original "new" torque specs (not nearly enough torque for old, used gear).

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Rawknees'Turbo

Dracholio, you actually use a torque wrench for fasteners like those - holy jebuz, I didn't think you were such a noob?!?!?!

LOL, Old Noooooooob

[LUFTKUL]

In ~40 years of existence, several owners and varying degrees of skill/attention to detail from said owners or mechanics, the valve covers can easily be bent. I am guessing Turbo valve covers are a popular upgrade because of this. Doesn't matter what tightening pattern you use if the covers aren't true.

[T77911S]

get a die die and clean the threads really good.

also use the reusable gaskets and just snug them. if you think they are tight enough then they are too tight. if the gasket squeezes out they are too tight.

they are WELL worth the money