Received my K&N CAI today, began installing and got hung up on the bracket mounting using the valve cover bolts. I guess I over tightened and broke one off in the hole. Got the broken one out, ordered the part, but know my question is.....would any of you recommend using a torque wrench for tightening or is there another way of knowing the bolt is tight without breaking another one off? Any help would be awesome, thanks.

 

had that same problem bro, i think i was the first to break a valve cover bolt when installing the K&N, I ran the car without the bolt for a few days and there was no oil leaking at all it was perfectly fine, just take a socket wrench until you feel it begin to wedged in, immediately stop!!! Driven 2000 miles already and no leaks...... you'll be fine

 

Yeah, not sure why they don't say "don't overtighten", but maybe i'm just a rookie at the modifing process. Did you have to order the new bolt from Ford? Have to wait a few days for a new one.

 

yea had to get it from the dealer, got the part within a few days, $8 bucks cost. O well, i was a rookie too at it, when I got the new bolt i just tightened it one handed with a socket until i felt it getting tighter and then just stopped.

 

Well I have seen several people post this same topic. So my guess is they have a flaw or something in the bolts. Probably have to be very careful.

 

I can't remember where I heard it but I was told 12 ft/lbs torque on that bolt...which amazingly is about how hard I can tighten before I grunt.

hahahah...

I read about several bolt breakages and only hand tightened mine...no problems or leaks in 250 miles....

Jay

 

generally valve cover bolts are only hand tightened until they are snug. If you compress the gasket too much you will warp the cover and it will leak.

 

Yeah, I hand-tightened mine as well. That little rubber stopper thing comes in handy too, as you aren't tightening metal on metal.

I'm enjoying the bubbly/gurgle sound when she's pullin in air now.