Originally posted by B-NI$E:
torque spec?? on your valve cover?? man just tighten that sucker down (in an acceptable circular pattern) check it a week later to make sure no oil leaks out, just to be on the safe side
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Plus a circular pattern in a tightening sequence is not a standard in auto work. Diagonal is more typical, as it provides more evenly distributed pressure.
The gasket may not seat properly/evenly and cause the cover to leak oil. In addition, if you have an early 2000 model (as I do) you have a Magnesium/Aluminum composite valve cover, which will bend if not tightened in the correct sequence and torqued down properly. I have the specs somewhere around, and will post them when I locate them.
EditV1: OK found them. Working in a diagonal sequence from the center outward, tighten all bolts by hand. Once tighened, use same sequence, and tighten to 60 in-lbs.
EditV2: Oh yeah, as far as anything else is concerned, the job is cake. As far as gasket reuse is concerned, that would depend on the condition of the gasket. It is is hard or brittle in ANY spot, then replace it. Otherwise, it should work out to reuse, as long as it is not disfigured in any way.
[ 12-31-2002, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: poSSumX ]