Valve cover bolts installation torque specs and bolt installation sequence?

This is the pattern to use. All are tightened to 11 ft lb.

Oh my goodness, Mr. Steve! I have been searching for an answer for a while. This is my first time using this platform, so I'm a novice.

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Mr Steve,

I will also be using an extension between the ratchet and the socket to reach the bolts. Do I need subtract or add foot lbs to the 11 ft lbs? Thank you again.

Nope. No change for a straight extension. Where you have issues would be if you have an offset, but even then, this is just the cover so as long as the gasket gets compressed it's not super critical as long as you don't crack the cover and cause a leak.

Mr Steve,

Thank you, Sir. I put the valve cover back on (without screws), after properly inserting the rubber gaskets multiple times; however, I keep taking the valve cover off to ensure that I seated the rubber gaskets into the valve cover grooves correctly. They appear to be seated correctly and pushed all the way down into the grooves; however, when I put the valve cover on (without screws), there's a slight gap around the entire inner and outer valve cover. I also checked for obstructions and there are none, then I pushed down evenly around the entire valve cover to remove the gap. Additionally, I used a rubber mallet to gently tap around the valve cover, but I think that the valve cover is as far down as it can go.

Questions:

Is the valve cover supposed to have a slight gap all around initially until I put the screws in and torque them down (Please see picture)? The gap (see picture) is the same size all around the inner and outer valve cover. Sorry for so many questions, but I'm new at this. Thank you in advance.

There will be a gap until it is torqued down. That is because the gaskets are designed to compress as the bolts are torqued down. That is how they seal.

Thanl you, Sir!

You are welcome.