Rocker cover nut tightening sequence

[SydneyTii]

I read lots of posts saying that the rocker cover has a specific tightening sequence, but I can't actually find the sequence, can anyone advise please? Cheers.

[worzella]

8 ft/lbs max but most say be careful and if it feels tight don't go further. Also tighten in a couple stages. I used a couple copper crush washers under nuts since some of my studs sat high and I did not want nuts to bottom out. Also dont forget a small dab of your favorite goo under the gasket where timing cover meets head. I use Hylomar Blue

 

[SydneyTii]

Thanks, the usual suspect above plug 4 is leaking a bit, new gasket, I will check my new acorn nuts aren’t to shallow, I have new stainless washers under nuts, will give it a wipe down with carb cleaner and refit.

[wegweiser]

The heads are prone to cracking near / above cylinder 4. Clean that area thoroughly and check the thin "vertical" area of the head casting near that rear-most stud for stress crack(s)

[Mike Self]

I've always tightened my valve cover nuts like head bolts:  begin with the center two, then crisscross the outer four, ending finally with the bolt at the very front.  But regardless, they're still gonna weep a bit.  

 

If you're not the original owner, you might want to check the valve cover for flatness by laying on a sheet of plate glass, or using a straightedge to make sure it's not warped.  If it is, a machine shop can skim it to get it flat again...

 

mike

[SydneyTii]

I’ve had this one about 13 years, I think I’ve done a crap job of tightening the cover, I reckon I went around the perimeter and not Criss cross, I seldom do things like that?, it was the end of a long day putting it all back together after a kugle pump swap out, because it’s above #4 plug it leaked onto the exhaust down pipe, though I did stem the leak a bit tightening it down, but did not manage to stop it, the cover is flat as I had it on a bench, but I will also check the head for cracks, looks like I have a job for today?

Thanks all.

[ray_]

I understand some valve cover gaskets are thinner than others, possibly causing the nuts to bottom out on the studs (top out?) before they are properly tight.

 

Cheers,