The Ford Barn

Jim.UT · 04-29-2026, 12:39 PM

This is my first Y-block (272 inch in a 55 Fairlane). I've been wondering about the two (each) hold down nuts on the valve covers. I put a wrench on them the other day and they weren't very tight. I asked a mechanic if he knew the torque specs on those and he looked it up on his computer and said "2 and a half ft/lb"! I'm pretty sure my torque wrench doesn't even register anything that low.

I'm thinking maybe finger tight then another half turn. What do you say? I imagine overtightening will result in split gaskets and oil leaks. Has that been a problem on these?

04-29-2026, 12:39 PM	#1
Jim.UT Member Join Date: Mar 2025 Location: Washington, Utah Posts: 57	Y-block valve cover nuts This is my first Y-block (272 inch in a 55 Fairlane). I've been wondering about the two (each) hold down nuts on the valve covers. I put a wrench on them the other day and they weren't very tight. I asked a mechanic if he knew the torque specs on those and he looked it up on his computer and said "2 and a half ft/lb"! I'm pretty sure my torque wrench doesn't even register anything that low. I'm thinking maybe finger tight then another half turn. What do you say? I imagine overtightening will result in split gaskets and oil leaks. Has that been a problem on these?