Tightening 1994 E320 Valve cover
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Tightening 1994 E320 Valve cover
I replaced the valve cover gasket in my 1994 E320 with 165K miles on it. However, the valve cover bolts have a sleeve on them and excessive torque might strip the threads in the head - I am not completely sure if they are not already stripped from prev install. The manual says the torque should be 10NM. I have a torque wrench of questionable precison. So, I tightened the bolts till it felt tight. Unfortunately, valve cover still leaks.
Any suggestion on how to tighten the gasket without stripping the threads. To add to my concern, I understand due to corrosion some of the threads may be weaker than designed. I have never installed a heli-coil. I would like to avoid having to do that especially on an engine head. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Any suggestion on how to tighten the gasket without stripping the threads. To add to my concern, I understand due to corrosion some of the threads may be weaker than designed. I have never installed a heli-coil. I would like to avoid having to do that especially on an engine head. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 800
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From: Northern Cali
W124
You normally don't need a torque wrench to tighten a valve cover. Usually hand tightening them with a ratchet is equivalent enough to the specification required to torque them down. Lay down your gast and start from the middle ove the valve cover and move outward (alternate the bolts going toward the back and front). This minimizes any gaps between each bolt. Don't use any silicone sealant either. They're intended to be be set in without it. Also make sure the area you're laying the gasket down on is clean or your work is all for nothing. Lastly try some thicker oil.
