VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Valve Cover Bolt Question

Is there a specific torque used to tighten the two valve cover acorn nuts on a 1950 216 engine? I did not see it is my service manual. Thanks

There is no specified torque for those nuts.

Overall that is a very “soft” joint. Between the compressibility of the cork gasket and the rubber seals under the nuts it is very easy to overtighten the nuts. If you go too far you will even bend the flanges around the perimeter of the valve cover.

I just snug them down until I feel some light resistance.

I had some oil leaking from the back of the valve cover. I guess it was "too" soft. I will give the nuts another turn or two. Thanks

The leaking problem at the back is probably because the gasket slipped out of place when you tightened it.

The back can be very problematic. It is extremely important that the flange on the valve cover is flat and at a right angle to the vertical portion of the valve cover.

Typically if it is leaking at the back tightening it more will not help.

If they are acorn nuts you might bottom out quickly. Can always use a washer under the nut to get a little more

dick

The acorn nuts were just too loose. The gasket appears to be where it is suppose to be. I attached a before and after photo of how bad the flange was and where it currently is.

Great job straightening that flange! I learned the hard way how critical that is.

Keep an eye on the acorn nuts for a few weeks especially if you are driving the car a lot. Things might settle a bit and you will need another turn on them. Remember that stud is a fine thread so 1 turn is about .04” of travel.