Do I torque the valve covers?

[Firetodd]

How tight do I tighten the valve covers? 67 with a 383 if that matters.

I replaced the leaky cork gaskets with an upgrade and am waiting for the Black rtv to cure with them snugged up. Tomorrow, what torque should they be, or is it an art of tight but not too tight?

[XH29N0G]

I think it is 40 in lbs, but I also I did a quick search and saw this link
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/valve-cover-torque-specs.197732/ 

I used a gasket sealer in addition to the gasket and have Aluminum valve covers, which can crackif overtightened.  I do not know whether the steel ones can warp.

[Firetodd]

https://youtu.be/t-sCppXJSa8 Here is my video

[cdr]

it is kind of a feel, just snug is what you want, if to tight it will bend the valve cover around the bolt & rip or tear the gasket.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and socket for just the right feel. Like already mentioned, just snug them down. A few days later check them again and snug as necessary. It works for me.

[Firetodd]

Thanks guys

[ws23rt]

I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and socket for just the right feel. Like already mentioned, just snug them down. A few days later check them again and snug as necessary. It works for me.

I agree--This is one of those cases where bolt strength is not the issue.  One could have or use high grade bolts that call for a high torque value but that does not identify the task.
This is a task that is about sealing from leaks.  Too much torque will mush (a technical term) the valve cover and squish some types of gaskets causing leaks.
Try 40 in. lbs. for a while until you know what it feels like.  Then toss the torque wrench back in the drawer and lose no more sleep about this one.

[John_Kunkel]

I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and socket for just the right feel. Like already mentioned, just snug them down. A few days later check them again and snug as necessary. It works for me.

The problem with thick gaskets like the valve cover, they will keep compressing with each re-torqueing, so it's better to torque each bolt only once and forget it.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and socket for just the right feel. Like already mentioned, just snug them down. A few days later check them again and snug as necessary. It works for me.

The problem with thick gaskets like the valve cover, they will keep compressing with each re-torqueing, so it's better to torque each bolt only once and forget it.

I've had some leak until I snugged them down a second time. Like I said, it works for me.

[moparsons]

Just snug them evenly. Doesnt take much to crack an aluminum mopar performance valve cover.......don't ask me how I know 

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Just snug them evenly. Doesnt take much to crack an aluminum mopar performance valve cover.......don't ask me how I know 

Yep, easy does it.

[challenger70]

How tight do I tighten the valve covers? 67 with a 383 if that matters.

I replaced the leaky cork gaskets with an upgrade and am waiting for the Black rtv to cure with them snugged up. Tomorrow, what torque should they be, or is it an art of tight but not too tight?

There is a torque spec in the service manual, I believe it is 25 in/lbs.  I used to do it by feel but the only way to accurately get them all even is with a torque wrench.

[ws23rt]

A part of the answer to this question is thread lubrication vs dry and any sealer used on the gasket.

Years ago I added silicone to the gasket as a --just to be sure idea.  I did not wait for the silicone to set.  It acted like a lube and the gasket squished out in several places.
Since that time I use new gaskets dry and dry threads on the bolts.   Never had a leak since then.
    I wonder what they did on the assembly line?