Valve cover screws keep backing out.

GRGT1994 · Sep 27, 2005

Any suggestions?

I have Twisted Wedge heads with the TFS valve covers, and cork gaskets from the HCI kit. The valve cover screws on the driver's side keep backing out. Last weekend I tightened em down pretty tight (took the upper intake manifold to get at em all). And they are already backed up.

Should I be using thread lock (aluminum heads), or longer screws? Does the gasket matter?

Thanks.

mo_dingo · Sep 27, 2005

GRGT1994 said:
Any suggestions?

I have Twisted Wedge heads with the TFS valve covers, and cork gaskets from the HCI kit. The valve cover screws on the driver's side keep backing out. Last weekend I tightened em down pretty tight (took the upper intake manifold to get at em all). And they are already backed up.

Should I be using thread lock (aluminum heads), or longer screws? Does the gasket matter?

Thanks.

Try some loctite blue and see what happens. I don't see how it could hurt the aluminum.

I am trying to remember what is bad for aluminum, and I can't remember. So wait for some others to reply and see what happens.
Scott

final5-0 · Sep 27, 2005

I would just use some of those washers that have many points all around the outside to keep the bolts in place.

I use them on my fox vc's cause I had to use some regular bolts. It has all been good for almost 3 years now.

I would not want loctite on Aluminum threads ...... then again, I'm kind of old school about most things, lol.

Grady

94GTLaserRC · Sep 27, 2005

Grady...you mentioned the pointy washers, but I dont see where he even tried regular lock washers.

Also, I think a tiny thin bead of the gasket maker should do the trick also.

RC

RIO5.0 · Sep 27, 2005

I'm with RC....I rarely use thread-locker so I have no clue on that...I'd throw some RTV on em though...I would clean the holes with Q-Tips first...

final5-0 · Sep 27, 2005

94GTLaserRC said:
Grady...you mentioned the pointy washers, but I dont see where he even tried regular lock washers.

Also, I think a tiny thin bead of the gasket maker should do the trick also.

RC

While we are talkin Aluminum threads it might be good to bring up the fact that steel bolts in Aluminim threads can cause you to get that white junk that will corrode and yuck up the threads. It is because of the two different metals. The fix for that is simply a tiny dab of anti-seize.

The gasket maker would most likely keep the small bolts in place.

As always, more than one way to skin a cat

No offense to all of you cat lovers

Grady

GRGT1994 · Sep 27, 2005

Where does the RTV go?

RIO5.0 · Sep 27, 2005

Run a small amount around the threads then wind em in...Do the threads feel loose when you put the bolts in, like sloppy??? just curious.. Are the bolts at least 3/4" long?? More threads to grab means more bite....

final5-0 · Sep 27, 2005

I thought I had a pic showing these somewhere and I found it

The center washer works great for keeping header bolts tight btw

Grady

WhiteDevil · Sep 27, 2005

Yeah i use lock washers on my header studs, and my VC bolts.

GRGT1994 · Sep 28, 2005

They guy I talked with on Trick Flow's tech line said don't use thread lock, it will trash the threads. I picked up some lock washers, and am gonna give those a try.

94GTLaserRC · Sep 28, 2005

If you've been using them without washers, the washers should hold them...I dont see why they wouldnt
RC

Valve cover screws keep backing out.

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