Valve Cover Bolts

GlynMeek · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 01:31 PM

I have a stroker 347/302 engine with about 700 miles on it at the moment. Still 'running in' gradually, and (touch wood), most things seem to be OK.

I was just checking all over bolt tightness the other day and found that the middle (top and bottom) bolts holding the valve covers on had become loose. In fact, one was so loose it had come out altogether. Checking all the other valve cover bolts, I found that all of them needed some degree of tightening or another. I tightened them as much as I dared (NOT wanting to strip threads!) and thought I had cured the problem. Drove the car for a couple of days and checked again, and the damn things had loosened up somewhat again.

1) Is there a specific torque setting I need for valve cover bolts, and if so, anyone have any idea what it should be?
2) Should I use loctite on these, and if so, red or blue?

Glyn

J Persons · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 01:59 PM

The bolts are 1/4-20, and there is a specific torque for them, but if you are using aftermarket valve covers I don't think I would want tighten them that much. Most aftermarket valve covers have a much thinner flange than the factory covers do and you could crack the flange, especially if using a thick gasket with lots of compressibility. I would just install them snug and use a drop of blue locktite on the threads. I use Allen head bolts and tighten them with a "T" "wrench. Also, make sure the bolts don't bottom out in the head.

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Persons

The bolts are 1/4-20, and there is a specific torque for them, but if you are using aftermarket valve covers I don't think I would want tighten them that much. Most aftermarket valve covers have a much thinner flange than the factory covers do and you could crack the flange, especially if using a thick gasket with lots of compressibility. I would just install them snug and use a drop of blue locktite on the threads. I use Allen head bolts and tighten them with a "T" "wrench. Also, make sure the bolts don't bottom out in the head.

I believe you hit the nail on the head. They are probably bottoming out.