turbo556

Hey all...

I have been getting a small leak coming out of the back on my valve cover gasket....Im gonna check the bolts first to make sure non have worked their way loose first...what size is the socket needed for these bolts and what is the proper torque in ft/lbs for them?

Thanks and let me know
Turbo

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

how many miles does your LS400 have?? i would recommend that its time to replace the gasket and that tightening the valve cover will just be a temporary fix. you will be tightening 52 In-lb

if you dont have proper tools i just tightened it enough than added in another 1/4 turn

deanshark

You should fix it right, change the gaskets. If it's leaking already, tightening the bolts to factory torque is only a very little temporary fix. There's already oil on the gasket so ya need new ones. I'm pretty sure the size of the bolt head is 10mm, it might be 8mm. The torque, like PK said, is 52 in lb. That equals out to only a few ft lbs. I can't remember the exact conversion.

McPierson

iTrader: (3)

52in-lb = 52/12 ft-lb = 4.33ft-lb

deanshark

Wow do I feel like a newbie. When I said "I can't remember the exact conversion" my mind wasn't right. I was thinking the conversion between "ft-lbs and Newton-Meters". I just got too much on my mind. But either way, if it's listed at in. lbs you should use an in.-lb torque wrench for better accuracy.

turbo556

To answer your question my car only has 55k miles on it....

McPierson

iTrader: (3)

To me rubber parts are mileage and age dependant.

turbo556

Well found the issue...half of the bolts on my valves covers weren't even hand tight let alone snug! How can i stop these from wiggling out like this again?

McPierson

iTrader: (3)

Loc-tite? The gasket might have shrunk or something too.