Red Valve Cover

[John]

My '98. 5 FSM (with the . 5 FSM Supplement) states the valve cover torque is 18 INCH pounds. I saw this spec. listed in the the torque spec. section of the appropriate chapter of the FSM Supplement as well as the R&R procedure pertaining (at least in part) to the valve cover. Also keep in mind that the valve cover retention bolts are not the same wimpy ones used on the '00 valve covers and beyond. Additionally, the retention bolts used on the '98. 5/'99 valve covers do not have stops which are an integral part of each '00+ retention bolt. BTW, the '98. 5/'99 bolts use a 15mm wrench whereas the '00+ bolts use a 10mm wrench.



I have an idea...



take the heavy-duty bolts used in the retention of the '98. 5/'99 valve covers and torque them to 18 FOOT lbs. then check the top of the valve cover with a precision straight edge and tell me what you see.



..... if it hasn't cracked yet







That's probably why Cummins (and or Dodge) specified the use of the lighter grade, SHOULDERED bolts in '00..... too many people were overtorquing them. Ya think?







Whatever; anyway the point is this, it has been proven time and again that Dodge has bogus torque specs. listed in their FSM from time to time... remember the 60 FOOT lb. torque spec. for the oil drain plug? I just ran into another one over the weekend... the small diameter bolts used to secure the thermostat housing have a torque spec. of 18 FOOT lbs... . for a 6mm bolt???? A check in my fastener torque spec. book indicated that even a 1/4-28 (NF) grade 8 bolt only specifies 14 ft lbs of torque... and it's at least . 014" (or 6 percent) larger in diameter. In addition, it is being torqued into cast iron... with what would be considered a FINE THREAD by "yankee" standards!!!!



BTW, I "torqued" my modified, chrome plated mega-buck Cummins valve cover strictly by feel (approx. 5-7 ft lbs)... but I will be willing to bet they are all within 1 ft. lb. of one another. I have had the valve cover off MANY times and have NEVER experienced an oil leak of any kind.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Well my red valve cover was Torqued to 18 FOOT LBS. The gasket looks fine, no distortion and the valve cover too is fine. Does anybody have a service manual for a 2001 ISB?? that would have the Torque specs?

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I just ordered mine today from the local Cummins shop for $86. 52 plus shipping. I was surprised at their price considering they want $30 for my fuel filter.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

My service manual also states 18 Foot lbs. and that's what I used.

 

[TxDieselKid]

How do I get a ......?

Originally posted by EMDDIESEL

Does anybody have a service manual for a 2001 ISB??

Where can I get a service manual? I would to have one of these.

 

[SixShooter]

thanks

thanks for the list of cummins shops in Texas. I live less than a mile from the nearest one and never even knew it. thanks again.

 

[Tom Trujillo]

Red Valve Covers

I assume that the red covers are only available for the 24V engines. Is this correct? I went to the local Cummins shop here in CT and they looked at my like I was from outer space when I asked for it. Please advise.



Tom

 

[Archive]

Re: Red Valve Covers

Originally posted by tjtrujillo

Please advise. Tom

You are correct... these are for the 24 valve. If you want something for your 12 valve, try the chrome kit from cummins, or get a stock set and polish or paint to match. There must be numerous ideas here.

 

[Pete Peterson]

Torque!?!?!

Okay boys and girls, in the 2001. 5 book Vol1 page 9-253 second collum # 3states 24N. m (18 ft. lbs) So it looks like the feet have it... ... ..... Pete

 

[John]

Stupid DC!

Well, I looked up the torque spec. yet again. On page 9-84 (1998. 5 FSM SUPPLEMENT) the "cylinder head cover" torque is listed as "(18 in. lbs. )"... that's INCH Lbs. The torque specs. I usually go by in the FSM are the ones listed on approximately the next to the last page within each chapter... this is where the above torque quote was taken from. Further investigation revealed that the "cylinder head cover" torque spec. is "(18 ft. lbs. )"... that's FOOT Lbs. This is on page 9-28 of the same 1998. 5 FSM SUPPLEMENT. This is listed under the installation procedure of the "cylinder head cover", step (3). Seeing that I NEVER required the useful ( ) information of the "proper" procedure to R&R a stupid valve cover (sans the torque spec. )... well, you get the idea. I never had cause to look past the torque spec. page. You would think for $95. + shipping they could at least provide the correct information.



Now, before I get any wah, wah, it was a simple typo snafu comebacks I would like to point out that in this computer day and age someone should be able to check the content of (at least) the torque specs. for correct information (i. e. , comparative data program... or symmetry between the SAME torque specs. listed in multiple areas within the FSM and/or supplements). BTW, the torque spec. (except for the inch lbs. /ft. lbs. error) was listed exactly the same way.



I am still of the opinion that 18 ft. lbs. of torque used on the early style('98. 5/'99) valve cover bolts is too much as these bolts DO NOT have the integral stop thereby limiting cover distortion. To that end, I experienced some slight distortion of my modified Cummins valve cover (which is heavier duty than either of the other two OE valve covers) even when only tightened to 5-7 estimated ft. lbs. This was checked with a precision straight edge and feeler gauges, at gasket contact (NO applied torque) and again at 5-7 ft. lbs. torque. The reason I checked it in the first place was because any appreciable distortion of the top of my (FLAT) chrome plated, modified, Cummins valve cover would have greatly detracted from its aesthetic appeal... and we couldn't have that now could we?



Take any of the above for what it's worth.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

When i was torquing it to 18ft lbs it seemed like alot, but i did not hesitate becasue everybody said that was the right spec. It does not look like it is distorted. I am going to back them off a bit to be sure there is no future problems.

 

[John]

Correct me if I'm wrong EMDDIESEL, don't you have a '01 or '01. 5 Ram? If so (or if you have '00 Ram) you will have a black Dodge/Cummins valve cover which use the smaller head (10 mm wrench), SHOULDERED valve cover retention bolts. THE EARLIER retention bolts ('98. 5/'99 NON-SHOULDERED, 15 mm wrench) DO NOT have the shoulder thereby allowing the valve cover to distort indefinitely if too much torque is applied. Do you understand what I'm talking about?

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Yes John, now i understand what you are talking about. I have an 01' with the shouldered bolts. Now what you say makes sense to me. So your saying i shoud be ok then even at 18ft lbs?

 

[Archive]

Here is a picture of John's red valve cover...

 

[Fred Swanson]

Um... ...

Interesting shade of red.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Rob, I assume you've gotten a chance to see John's valve cover by now. It is soooo smooth it looks black in photos. Nothing short of stunning.



Don't you think he needs a chrome oil fill cap to finish it off? Would be nice to locate something like that



Vaughn

 

[Archive]

Actually, Vaughn, I like his filler cap... it matches his batteries, oil and transmission dipsticks... but I don't know what John's plans are!



Not in the pic: a new chrome thermostat housing, and more elbow grease shining things up.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yeah, and how about a polished/chromed turbo compressor and radiator fan shroud and. . . LOL. . . pretty soon his truck will look great parked next to Perea's

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by EMDDIESEL

So your saying i shoud be ok then even at 18ft lbs?

EMD... yes, exactly what he is trying to explain to everyone.

 

[John]

Hey Vaughn, I decided against taking my radiator support in to be chrome plated as it can be seen through the grille when the hood is closed... and you know I couldn't have that on BLCKOUT. As for the chrome plated compressor housing... I don't think so for obvious reasons (although I have thought about it ). I'm considering several other underhood enhancements, one of which you touched on. First of all I need to rework my trick replacement Air Bulldog induction components and refinish them. Those pieces along with my PDC cover will be finished in the same manor.





Thanks for your help Rob.