Torque specs for valve covers, 12-15lbs?

[GIBSON]

In the most recent Panorama, Al Caldwell has a couple of tech articles, one on push/pull clutch designs, the other on maintenance.
He give a figure of 15ft.lbs max, 12 maybe better. In know Warren recommends a lower figure, is that just for the reusable type
gasket or all gaskets? 15 seems high to me,
I've used 12 in the past,just wondering if anyone uses less with good results.
Also, I've used Curil T on all gasket to metal surfaces with good success, anybody use something else? I'm dropping the 73S motor today to do some oil leak chasing, I'd like to use the best gasket material out there.

Bruce Herrmann

[911pcars]

Although torque tables will specify around 15 ft.lbs for M8 threads, you might want to keep the torque to around 7-8 ft.lbs. There's a gasket here for sealing rather than anything structural. In addition, higher torque may cause the cover to warp and promote even more leak paths.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[Early_S_Man]

The torque spec from the '78-'81 spec book, dated 31 March 1981 is 8 Nm ... 6 lb-ft, 72 in-lb. That date is approximately when the green silicone-beaded factory gaskets came into use. Those are still the 'current' factory gaskets, as far as I know!

The reusable red silicone, USA-made gaskets have even lower torque specs.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[makaio]

I use 6ft. lbs on my valve cover nuts, with no leaks.

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Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC