Torque and Chrome

How much torque to use with a torque wrench?

Ok so I'm need to tighten down my valve cover on my Suzuki Samurai with a torque wrench. How much torque do I need? I don't want to over or under tighten it. What do you think? I need quick answers because it's kinda a big problem at the moment.

Public Comments

1. Its hard to say, but your need to check the spec sheet. www.autozone.com has the online repair manuals, which have the torque spec sheet
2. Valve covers don't need much torque what so ever. A torque wrench doesn't go that low. "snug and a little", or two finger pull on a wrench.
3. I doubt you need a torque wrench from these bolts. 6mm thread size ~6~8ft lbs, 8mm thread size 12-14 ft lbs, 10mm thread size 16-20 ft lbs I doubt a jap rocker cover would have bigger than that.
4. snug them up good- do not have to be horsed down like a timing belt pulley (my last one was 80 lbs) I have yet to torque mine - my socket wrench is good enough just make sure to evenly apply the pressure - mine had 8 bolts - so don't snug 1 all the way down - then two then three - evenly - give them a rotation each - until you are to the last turn - and you snug them all together have a great 2008!
5. Wow, you'd be better off going to the library and crack a Motors, or Chiltons big old manual and find the correct torque reading before you start. The bolts studs or nuts are so small I would think you'd be better off with a small inch pounds torque wrench. Sears has inexpensive bendable beam type torque wrenches in foot pounds and inch pounds. The secret to make the gasket to seal properly is the cleanliness of the valve cover and the cylinder head, a high quality Fel-Pro gasket and a raised blue silicone bead in the center.
6. Spec is 35-44 inch lbs. It takes 12 inch lbs. to equal a foot lb on a torque wrench. I know this sounds obvious but Ive had a few mechanics ask about this simple fact of conversion so there it is. Probally best not to use the average ft. lb. torque wrench as they usually are not so accurate at the lower torque measurements. They do make inch lb. torque wrenches. Most mechanics I know put them snug enough so as not to back off but not so tight to bend the valve cover or dammage the gasket under... I looked for a 1995 as I didnt know what year you were working on but they should all be pretty much the same spec.