Must plugs be removed to torque valve cover nuts?

[haux]

That is the question.

New oil leak from new valve cover gasket. I must not have torqued the nuts properly when I replaced it a few months ago.

[hill8570]

You can leave the plugs in place while you torque down the valve cover.

[haux]

Score! Thank you.

[JohnGD]

Do recheck the torque after 30 minutes. The grommets can take a set and the cover will become loose, even if you tightened properly -- which I suspect was the case.

Originally Posted by haux

That is the question.

New oil leak from new valve cover gasket. I must not have torqued the nuts properly when I replaced it a few months ago.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Do recheck the torque after 30 minutes. The grommets can take a set and the cover will become loose, even if you tightened properly -- which I suspect was the case.

i actually read in automotive forums camry FAQ to re-check the torque on tube nuts after a month from initial tightening. not sure if 30 mins can equal to that.

[haux]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Do recheck the torque after 30 minutes. The grommets can take a set and the cover will become loose, even if you tightened properly -- which I suspect was the case.

I torqued them by feel the first time around.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by haux

I torqued them by feel the first time around.

oooops! the correct torque is 17ft-lbs in sequence from middle to outer ones, gradually. some people do it in 3 attempts, making first 7, then 13 and finally 17ft-lbs.

you would need a 3/8'' click-stop torque wrench for that with adapter to fit 1/2'' socket (30mm).

[JohnGD]

You know, I wonder if that's why Toyota changed the 33 lb/ft spec to 17 lb/ft. Maybe the newer grommets are less likely to take a set and loose clamping force. However, this type of valve cover design is a problem.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

You know, I wonder if that's why Toyota changed the 33 lb/ft spec to 17 lb/ft. Maybe the newer grommets are less likely to take a set and loose clamping force. However, this type of valve cover design is a problem.

i think 33ft-lbs kills the valve cover gasket over time (compressing it too much), as this is when my 10yr old one started leaking a few months after tightening.
new grommets might seat better making it enough for 17ft-lbs. mine seam holding fine and it's been 2 weeks (done on 04/03/2010).

[haux]

Shortly after making the original post, I did torque the nuts to 17 ft/lbs.

I just checked them again. And I had to make two more short turns to get to the 17 ft/lbs.

Is it normal for them to loosen up yet a second time?

[fenixus]

if the tube nut seals were old or worn then yes, but if they are new they should hold IMO (mine did).
I think new tube nut seals are enough for 17ft-lbs and the older ones were a problem.

[haux]

Originally Posted by fenixus

if the tube nut seals were old or worn then yes, but if they are new they should hold IMO (mine did).
I think new tube nut seals are enough for 17ft-lbs and the older ones were a problem.

They're new. I bought them along with the gasket as a set.

[fenixus]

many people told me to re-torque them after a month, maybe that's normal then, i haven't experienced it though. will check in like 2 weeks and be able to tell more (had to open valve cover again recently).

[JohnGD]

Yes, normal for this stinking design to take a "set" and loosen. Toyota recognized that and changed it for the 2.4L engine. Less problems.

What I described was a standard VW cover gasket replacement procedure. I guess they had to come up with 30 minutes in the shop. But if you're the owner, then I'd periodically check. Maybe like the once a month mentioned with your tire pressure, if you don't check that more often.

I wonder if this style of valve cover was also the 60s VW design, because the shim over bucket was used extensively then by VW. Maybe Toyota copied the whole deal like Nissan did with its early 4-cyl (from Mercedes).

Originally Posted by haux

Shortly after making the original post, I did torque the nuts to 17 ft/lbs.

I just checked them again. And I had to make two more short turns to get to the 17 ft/lbs.

Is it normal for them to loosen up yet a second time?