Burninrubber

Does anyone know the bolt pattern for the valve cover? I powder coated my valve cover, bought a new gasket from the dealer and installed it. I went on all data and it did not have a tightening pattern. Basically put my valve cover back on using all data as a reference and now i have a small oil leak on the left side of the cover. Its right where you have the heat cover that blocks the one bolt on the side. I tightened all the bolts down without snapping them as much as possible. Its insane because the valve cover bolts dont get tight. I kept tightening them untill the point where i felt any resistance and i never felt any so i end up snapping two bolts off in the head. I got them out but i had to use some bolts i got from lowes to replace them. Everyones telling me its because i didnt tighten them down using the bolt pattern but if alldata doesnt have it then it prolly doesnt have one. Ill ask the dealership next if noone has the answer. Is it true the valve cover bolts are special bolts and should i get new valve cover bolts from the factory or can i use the bolts i got from lowes? Also can i get a gasket for the valvecover anywhere but the dealership. I have been unable to find one at autozone, advance auto, oreileys, carquest, ect..

tomj77

iTrader: (2)

Cause there is non. Just do the outsides then move in, I've done it that way and straight one side to te other, never leaks

MastaShaKe_88

iTrader: (5)

hmm.. ima have to put my valve cover bak on soon, so this is good to know..

tomj77

iTrader: (2)

Just clean off the head where the gasket goes and rub a little oil on the gasket, seals nice that way

tomj77

iTrader: (2)

Creates a suction to the head

Burninrubber

alright will do ank you. Will i have to replace the gasket agian or can i use the same one i just put on? Im guessing you cant but it doesnt hurt to ask.

Omiotek

iTrader: (2)

there is a torque sequence but ive done them with and without and it doesnt really matter. the reason you dont feel them getting tight is because the bolts just stretch. they dont require much torque at all. the spec is 89 inch/lbs

the rule of thumb is when you do anything on the head including the head itself always go from the middle and work your way out and go across.

heres an srt4....not exactly the same but you get an idea
ecotec valve cover torque sequence - Bing Images

Burninrubber

alright thank you. Im going to look into getting another gasket now.

Omiotek

iTrader: (2)

gasket should be fine..... inspect for cracks and stuff and if there isnt any and its soft you should be able to re use it. ive resed my valve cover gaskets plenty of times on my cobalt.