What size are the bolts on a Chevy Silverado valve cover?

Bolt Size for Chevy Silverado Valve Cover
The bolt size for the valve cover on a Chevy Silverado can vary depending on the specific engine and model year. However, based on the available information, it seems that the most common bolt size for Chevy Silverado valve covers is 1/4″-20.
It’s important to note that the length of the bolt may vary depending on the thickness of the valve cover, the gasket used, and the washer under the head. To determine the appropriate length, you can measure the thickness of the valve cover, the gasket, and the washer, and add about 1/4″ to that measurement.
If you’re looking for replacement valve cover bolts, Chevrolet Performance offers replacement bolts that are just like the factory originals, ensuring a proper fit and appearance. Additionally, there are aftermarket options available from brands like ARP and Holley.
Please keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult the specific vehicle’s manual or reach out to a certified mechanic for accurate and detailed information regarding your Chevy Silverado’s valve cover bolts.

Can I drive my car with a missing valve cover bolt?

Yes, but you should inspect it regularly as it’s likely you will start to leak oil from the area the nut broke, also the longer it is left the higher the chance the cover will start to distort with heat from the engine requiring you to replace the cover itself.

What torque should a valve cover be at?

Recommended Torque specs of plastic valve cover bolts vary between models and seem to range between 70 to 110 inch lbs. If you only have a larger wrench that is calibrated in foot lbs, you could divide the inch pound setting by 12, to obtain the correct setting.

What to do if a valve cover bolt breaks?

How do you remove a broken valve cover bolt? You may be able to drill a small hole in the center of the bolt and then use a reverse thread extractor with a ratchet wrench to get it out.

What is the torque on a Chevy valve cover?

The Chassis Service Manual specifies valve cover fastener torque as 55 in. lbs for small blocks and 50 in. lbs. for big blocks.

How tight should I tighten my valve cover?

Tighten until your hand can’t tighten anymore (which SHOULDN’T be too tight) And that should be just tight enough. Any tighter and you risk busting a bolt.

Can you hand tighten valve cover bolts?

Valve cover gaskets are one of those things where it wants to be tightened very evenly and just snug enough not to leak. It can be done by feel, but most people who don’t have a torque wrench also don’t have the feel for it.

What size are the bolts on a Chevy valve cover?

SIZE – valve cover bolts for chevy 350 are 1/4″ – 20 Thread Pitch. Bolts Measure 1 3/8″ IN Length studs measure 1 1/4″ IN Length.

How much torque for SBC valve cover bolts?

Torque the valve cover bolts to 5-6 ft/lbs, making sure the gaskets do not slip out of position. Proper torqueing will help to ensure that your covers do not leak oil.

What happens if you over tighten valves?

If the valve has been over-tightened, this connection will be warped. This could lead to a whole host of problems. For example, depending on just how deformed the connection has become, it could lead to fluids being blocked, leaving them to clog up the tubes.

Do valve cover bolts need to be torqued?

Usually for a valve cover its more important to tighten from the middle in a cross pattern. Not only do they need to be torqued, they need to be torqued in the correct order. Not everything that has a torque spec always needs torquing, but anything with a gasket does.