'86 valve cover gasket - torque spec?
 

I can not find anywhere the torque specifications for the valve cover NUTS for my 560SL. I found 3 NM for BOLTS...

Anyone have any idea?

ryan

cam (valve) cover
 

The "valve" cover (actually cam cover) is held down with four bolts. Your torque value is correct. I recommend you use a 1/4" drive torque wrench so that the desired torque is in the sensitive mid-range of the wrench.

There are no nuts holding down the cam cover.

I'm Ready
 

I plan on taking off my valve covers soon, to inspect what lurks within and try to determine whether my timing chain has been replaced in the past.

In reading about this here and on other forums, I learned that the cover bolts require very little tightening (3-4Nm) and a small beam-type torque wrench was recommended.

So, I bought a fresh pair of Elring gaskets and this 1/4-inch drive ($42.25):

http://home.windstream.net/heimwald/...que.wrench.jpghttp://home.windstream.net/eurekan/c...que.wrench.jpg

Probably not the best deal in town, but it was convenient for me to purchase. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SQ3B

I'm looking forward to degreasing my filthy engine (see my other threads for proof) and figure it's worth the money & effort to seal those covers right. :)

Its worth replacing the copper crush washers under the bolt heads, very expensive at the dealer, $0.08 ea elsewhere. They seal and help hold the torque. Even with the right tools (a torque wrench), I've found that I have to tighten new valve cover gaskets twice - once when installed, once again a few engine cycles later - and just a bit more than the book spec.

Thanks for the replies. I don't really know what I was thinking - clearly they are bolts (I was just fooling around with my 300D).

I have the copper washers, but I don't have a beam torque wrench...

ryan