VALVE COVER BOLT TORQUE

[mclark]

I HAVE A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO 3.2 AUTO , AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE VALVE COVER GASKETS, BUT I WANT TO KNOW DOES THE VALVE COVER BOLTS HAVE TO BE TORQUE, AND IF SO WHAT IS THE TORQUE RANGE . THANKS

 

[DavidT]

I believe 12 ft.lbs max. I've read where some keep it around 7-8 ft.lb. Being very careful to not break the bolt or strip it, which apparently is easy to do.

 

[luigisho]

yeah it's really snug not super tight. Very easy to shear the bolt at the threaded end

 

[Bryan]

Just tighten it down hand tight then maybe a little bit more. Do not over tighten it or you could strip the threads in the head, snap the bolt or round off the allen head bolts. Gotta be extra careful.