Valve Cover Hardware Q

[Heavy Metal]

1990 Comanche SporTruck

 

Are there supposed to be Belleville spring type washers under the bolts on my valve cover, similar to the intake/exhaust manifold? Currently there aren't any. I just replaced my valve cover gasket and I noticed that all of the bolts were finger loose! I torqued them all to 55 inch pounds moving in a circular pattern similar to that reccomended for the head bolts. I hope that they were loosening because the PO forgot to go over them a few times, as bolts loosen during the torquing process, and not because I am missing spring washers. 

[HOrnbrod]

Nope, they are ordinary 1/4x20 hex head flanged bolts. I replaced all mine with stainless Allen head cap screws with a stainless flat and lock washer on each. Help prevent loosening up and looks better too.  :yes:

[Arizona Duffer]

Hornbrod, thanks for your tip re signature. Let me know if my sig below needs improvement.

 

So back to the valve cover. You said you powder coated yours, right? I've messed with powder-coating in marine settings, but never in a really hot environment like under a car hood. No discolorations? Or, is it a special powder coat? Since you apparently have an interest in chrome (based on your signature), why didn't you chrome the valve cover? Price? What other items, if any, did you coat under the hood?

 

Thanks much.

[daking]

Nope, they are ordinary 1/4x20 hex head flanged bolts. I replaced all mine with stainless Allen head cap screws with a stainless flat and lock washer on each. Help prevent loosening up and looks better too.  :yes:

 

That sounds like it looks great! any pictures?

 

I think I'll do the same. I've been converting bolts and screws to stainless as I go

[HOrnbrod]

Hornbrod, thanks for your tip re signature. Let me know if my sig below needs improvement.

 

So back to the valve cover. You said you powder coated yours, right? I've messed with powder-coating in marine settings, but never in a really hot environment like under a car hood. No discolorations? Or, is it a special powder coat? Since you apparently have an interest in chrome (based on your signature), why didn't you chrome the valve cover? Price? What other items, if any, did you coat under the hood?

 

Thanks much.

 

Excellent.  :cheers:  I wish everyone would do this..........

 

I sent the cover out for powder coating many years ago - didn't do it myself. It's held up well, no discolorations at all, still looks the same. It cost me $100 total back then. The cover is cast aluminum, and ideally a polished alloy cover would be great, but it's so labor intensive I'm not about to do it. I like a clean engine compartment, and it looks pretty good, but it's no show truck, just my driver.

[HOrnbrod]

 

Nope, they are ordinary 1/4x20 hex head flanged bolts. I replaced all mine with stainless Allen head cap screws with a stainless flat and lock washer on each. Help prevent loosening up and looks better too.  :yes:

 

That sounds like it looks great! any pictures?

 

I think I'll do the same. I've been converting bolts and screws to stainless as I go

 

 

Yeah, but I probably went overboard. Besides the valve cover, I replaced the bolts on the oil pan, tranny pan, diff cover, and every visible bolt that didn't run away under the hood.   :yes: