95Q Valve cover torque specs

[kevindanielk]

I need the specs for the valve cover bolts. I plan on changing the VC gaskets this weekend(leaking oil onto my exhaust manifold and it smells like an old oil-burning American hot rod, whenever I'm done speeding). I've searched in the FSM without any success in finding the specs. I'd appreciate any input.

[goody90q45]

It looks like there's a pre-torque to 2.9 ft-lb and a final torque to 7.0-9.0 ft-lb. It needs to be done in a specific order so print up page EM-20 of the FSM and take it with you to the garage. Good luck.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1995_Q4 ... Q45/em.pdf

[kevindanielk]

Thanks for the info goody.

[maxnix]

Also, if you don't have new rubber grommets that the nuts torque down, torque will be off. If they are hard as hockey pucks and indented, you need new ones.

[kevindanielk]

Thank you for that bit of important info maxnix.

[elwesso]

just so you know, 7 ft lbs is roughly equivalent to "snug" with a 1/4 in drive socket.. The point of the torque pattern is to get everything seated before final torque because the valve covers are big and aluminum, so its possible to crack them..

I don't konw of any torque wrench that actually reads that low in ft-lbs, most of them are in in-lbs for 3/8 drive or 1/4 drive... last time I did the valve covers on a friend's car I followed the pattern in the FSM, but didnt pay much attention to the torque.... Its important to note that there is a TOO tight because those little studs are EASY to break. And like Brian said, if you're missing some of the hardware like the metal/rubber washers, your torque will be off because theres not much thread sticking out above the studs.

[maxnix]

Thank you for that bit of important info maxnix.

Yeah, few have mentioned it but I am convinced of the necessity for long term sealing of the camshaft covers on the later VH45DE. Those little suckers are not inexpensive.

A good SnapOn ¼" torque wrench or one of similar accuracy is a must as is following FSM sequence! Very difficult to estimate correct torque if you don't wrench for a living.

Check for correctly seated half moons first!