Valve cover bolts installation torque specs and Bolt installation sequence?

Tiny
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  • 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 185,000 MILES
I removed the valve cover to replace the valve cover inner and outer seals. I need to reinstall the valve cover but can't find the correct bolt installation sequence and bolt torque values.

I went to several auto parts stores and Chevy dealers with no luck. I searched Goggle but it shows torque values for a 2017 and below that listed under 2018 (Go figure lol). Please assist.

The bolts in question are the ones in the attached picture along the red circles. Please help because I'm at a standstill. Thank you in advance.

The vehicle listed above is an LT l, 1.5 Liter.
Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 9:48 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,049 POSTS
This is the pattern to use. All are tightened to 11 ft lb.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
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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.

I sent a donation to 2carpros. Com's GoFundMe page. How do I pay you something for your assistance? I'm not sure how this works, but I strongly desire and insist on compensating you, and I won't accept "no" for an answer. Please tell me how this works so I can convey my gratitude! Thank you again!
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
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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.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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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.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 1:00 PM
Tiny
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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.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 11:51 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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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.
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
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Thanl you, Sir!
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 11:40 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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You are welcome.
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 11:41 AM

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