Question : Valve cover bolts torque specs

[Arns85GT]

I am getting conflicting advice on torquing my Edelbrock Signature Valve Covers.

Some things I read say maximum 25 in lbs. and some say maximum 3 ft lbs(36 in. lbs)

I am using neoprene gaskets. Does anyone know for sure which torque spec is correct?

Thanks,

Arn

[geoffinbc]

It is such a tiny difference it wont matter. I would simply snug them up by hand.

[Arns85GT]

I tried guesstimating already and got seepage. I went to the vendor and got bad advice and a failure. I would really like to do this right and not have to replace my gaskets yet again. If anybody has the spec I'd really appreciate having it. I have an inchpound torque wrench and I'd like to use it on this job. Please, anybody who can assist. Thanks,

Arn

[geoffinbc]

Do you have the metal spanner strips in place? If they are not installed and with the top side up a tin valve cover will never seal. I would use the higher torque spec but honestly it makes no difference what one you use there is such a TINY difference between the two. If you want tighten it to 24in/lbs and if it does not seal then do them up to 36in/lbs. If you have neoprene gaskets you don't have to replace them.

[Arns85GT]

The reason I have had to replace them is that they split at the screw holes. I have the spanner strips also. I think I will go with 36 in lb but I have read that you should go to about 55. I am still researching. To be more clear, I purchased my neoprene gaskets at Partsource. I asked the torque specs and they told me 13 ftlbs. I thought it was high, but I went with it and had the gasket split in two areas once it got hot. This dumped about 3 quarts of oil before I could pull in. What a mess. I'll be talking to them today.

Arn

[Arns85GT]

I finally spoke to the techs at Edelbrock. They made my valve covers. Here is the word. High temp silicone the gasket to the valve cover first. Rough sand the seat for a better adhesion. Let the siliconed gasket cure on a level surface. (in my case I just finger tightened to a spare engine.)

Then install it to finger tight, and add 1/2 turn. That is it. Apparently if you don't silicone first, there is enough squirm, and enough play in the sheet metal to cause leaks. I hope this helps somebody.

Arn