Valve Cover Bolts
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Valve Cover Bolts
Sorry about the new thread, but the other didn't really tie in so I thought it best to start a new one.
Last summer, I was constantly tightening my valve cover bolts. I was told that the reason they loosen up is because as the engine heats up the engine threads (The hole) expand, which makes sense.
So, I'm wondering if I could use some of the weak lock tite glue so the bolts will stay in place. There are different adhesive factors and thought the Blue version would work.
Thoughts?
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=48&plid=153
Thx
Paul
Last summer, I was constantly tightening my valve cover bolts. I was told that the reason they loosen up is because as the engine heats up the engine threads (The hole) expand, which makes sense.
So, I'm wondering if I could use some of the weak lock tite glue so the bolts will stay in place. There are different adhesive factors and thought the Blue version would work.
Thoughts?
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=48&plid=153
Thx
Paul
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Sorry about the new thread, but the other didn't really tie in so I thought it best to start a new one.
Last summer, I was constantly tightening my valve cover bolts. I was told that the reason they loosen up is because as the engine heats up the engine threads (The hole) expand, which makes sense.
So, I'm wondering if I could use some of the weak lock tite glue so the bolts will stay in place. There are different adhesive factors and thought the Blue version would work.
Thoughts?
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=48&plid=153
Thx
Paul
Last summer, I was constantly tightening my valve cover bolts. I was told that the reason they loosen up is because as the engine heats up the engine threads (The hole) expand, which makes sense.
So, I'm wondering if I could use some of the weak lock tite glue so the bolts will stay in place. There are different adhesive factors and thought the Blue version would work.
Thoughts?
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=48&plid=153
Thx
Paul
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
I just tighten mine up every now and then. Your old gaskets are likely cork and are shot...father time and too much heat. You may have over-tightened them as well, causing the situation to be worse. Use a small ratchet with an extension and one hand to "sung" them up. If you over-tighten them the gasket will compress and start to leak again. Take your time, if you're like me, evertything I take off is clean as the day it left the factory before I put it back on.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Are you using the little metal "load spreaders" or flat washers under the valve cover bolts? Are you torquing them to proper specs? Generally, they loosen up because they have been overtightened in order to get the gaskets to seal. If you have stamped steel covers, it is likely that they are dimpled/bent under the bolts and that the areas between bolts will not seal. I don't know if this is your problem or not, but if so, the valve cover rails need to be flatened out, the engine and valve cover [gasket] surfaces need to be cleaned with solvent to get them oil-free and dry, Fel-pro gaskets need to be installed, load spreaders or washers need to be under the bolts and the proper torque applied; then they will seal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
I just tighten mine up every now and then. Your old gaskets are likely cork and are shot...father time and too much heat. You may have over-tightened them as well, causing the situation to be worse. Use a small ratchet with an extension and one hand to "sung" them up. If you over-tighten them the gasket will compress and start to leak again. Take your time, if you're like me, evertything I take off is clean as the day it left the factory before I put it back on.
Do the valve covers have these reinforcements?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={053a80c1-ac89-4d38-a5c6-bd478128a201}&pname=66-80+327%2f350+Valve+Cover+Bolt+Reinforcem ents&Referer=QUICK_SEARCH&Alias=valve%20 cover&ptct=BS-SR&CTitle=&
Over the years the reinforcement washers get lost and if the bolts are tightened too much, the thin sheet metal valve covers get bent causing leaks.
Lots of sources for the washers Auto Zone, forum vendors, ..., ...., etc.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
If you buy the FelPro gaskets with the nylon grommets you cannot over-tighten and warp the gaskets.
http://www.federalmogul.com/en/After...ver/RigidCore/
http://www.federalmogul.com/en/After...ver/RigidCore/
Last edited by Paul L; May 22, 2010 at 08:21 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Well, you can still overtighten them...which will stretch the bolts and cause them to eventually lose torque. The best way to keep them from loosening is to use the parts that the factory used and torque the bolts properly. If the bolts you have were overtorqued in the past, throw them away and get some new bolts.
