Hi, doing the valve cover gaskets next month. Anyone use any bolts that stay tighter? also, any recommendations on special types of lock-tight that would help the bolts stay tight? Thanks for any advice.

 

I like the idea of studs for the valve covers. I researched the thread size to be 1/4-20, or 1/4 UNC (same thing). The inner bolts are shorter than the outer, so the studs would have to match the length. ARP makes studs for valve covers in different lengths, but they are pricey, and you would want the ones utilizing the 12-point nuts, so you could get a socket on them.

 

12 point sockets don't fit? Are they special nuts that normal tools don't fit?
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1/4-20 socket head allens

 

they are 12 point bolts and only a 12 point socket(1/4" drive) will fit. 8mm if i remember correctly. 3/8 drive socket normally has to be ground to make it thinner in order to fit.
That is the reason I specified 12 point nuts on studs, there is not a lot of room between the valve cover and the mounting bolt. I guess that is why LR used the 12 point bolts to begin with.

 

Thanks for the info. Use my 1/4" drive tools frequently and will check to make sure I have the smaller metrics in 12 point.
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