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By Melly - 5 Years Ago
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Going to replace my stock y block valve covers with OEM t bird cast aluminum valve covers. Other then getting gasket alignment, was wondering when time to tighten the acorn nut on stud. How much do you tighten the down? Don’t want to under or over tighten. And should you check them now and then after first install? Just trying to avoid issues.
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By Robs36Ford - 5 Years Ago
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I go finger tight then an extra two turns for the rubberized gasket. Cork is more delicate.
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By Melly - 5 Years Ago
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The gaskets are cork. Can you expand on more delicate please?
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By Florida_Phil - 5 Years Ago
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Original cast aluminum TBird value covers are pretty strong. They won't distort like sheet metal covers. I have used 3M weather strip adhesive to glue the gaskets to those covers for years. With the covers off, lay the gasket in place so you can see how they are positioned. Coat the value cover side of the gasket with adhesive and let it dry for a minute or two. Coat the valve cover with adhesive and do the same. When both are tacky, stick the gasket to the cover. This stuff is tough and will hold the gaskets in place for a long time. Don't glue the gaskets to the head as you will need to remove the covers to adjust your valves. If you use quality gaskets, they should last for years, Tightening them is not rocket science. Make sure you use rubber washers under the valve cover nuts. As long as they don't leak, you are good to go.
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By Robs36Ford - 5 Years Ago
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Cork : They can split if over-tightened, leak if not tight enough. I would use a thin spread of blue RTV on both sides to ensure a leak free seal.
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By DryLakesRacer - 5 Years Ago
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Mine are glued on one side. Originals not repops. Have never leaked and have been off countless times in 8 years. Replaced rubber top gaskets once and use a stainless thin washer on top under the acorn nuts.
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By Joe-JDC - 5 Years Ago
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Yes, there is a washer under the Acorn Nut and on top of the rubber grommet. Some grommets have the washer impregnated into the rubber. I also like to use a stainless washer under the acorn nut for looks. Joe-JDC
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By Melly - 5 Years Ago
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Thanks to all for your input. Great group of friendly and helpful people. Always there to help.
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By MoonShadow - 5 Years Ago
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The T-Bird covers also use a different length stud than the plain steel. You can get some at most of the early Ford parts stores or one of the T-Bird parts stores. They usually come as a kit with acorn nuts and chrome top washers.
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By DANIEL TINDER - 5 Years Ago
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Melly (8/25/2020)
Going to replace my stock y block valve covers with OEM t bird cast aluminum valve covers. Other then getting gasket alignment, was wondering when time to tighten the acorn nut on stud. How much do you tighten the down? Don’t want to under or over tighten. And should you check them now and then after first install? Just trying to avoid issues.
30 inch lbs.
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By paul2748 - 5 Years Ago
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I use Permatex Copper RTV to glue the gasket to the cover. Nothing on the head side of the gaskets. I've used the cork gaskets and never had a problem with them. After installing the cover and running the car for awhile, just go over the nuts again to insure a tight seal.
I apply a thin coat of the RTV to the gasket, install on the cover and then turn the cover over and let the RTV set up, usually overnight. The RTV enables the gasket to be removed easily.
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