The problem with the valve cover is that you only have four fasteners. That's really insufficient for sealing such a large surface. If you had 10 fasteners, the torque on each fastener wouldn't be critical as the fastener will slightly distort the cover in a localized region.

With only four, you must get just the right amount of force on the cover at four places. Too much force and the cover distorts...........and it leaks...........too little force............and it leaks.

It's basically impossible to get anything close to spec on those fasteners without a torque wrench. I've tried it..........and was wildly off (too loose).


You ought to bring it out here and we can do simultaneous valve adjustments..............the SD is way overdue and my back isn't looking forward to it.