2000 mountaineer valve cover torque procedure????

[Summajet]

I am in the process of installing the valve covers/gaskets. Here is what the Haynes manual says.
Valve cover torque states 144 to 180 in/lbs
It says to tighten the bolts in two steps.
It states the two step process is under specifications. I do not see it anywhere in the book.

 

[Deleted member 352605]

im not completely sure, but i think you're supposed to start from the inside, making your way out, tighten it till snug. Now, again, making your way from the inside out to distribute the force, torque it down.

 

[Summajet]

im not completely sure, but i think you're supposed to start from the inside, making your way out, tighten it till snug. Now, again, making your way from the inside out to distribute the force, torque it down.

View attachment 315856

 

[Summajet]

I did tighten from the middle bolts then worked outwards.
I used the Fel-pro revised blue gaskets. They are really nice.
I had to remove the intake plenum, egr tube, valve covers, and spark plug wires.
I cleaned the head/valve cover surface using a scotch brite pad. Cleaned with acetone to remove any oil residue.
Hand tightened the middle bolts first then the outward bolts. Let the gaskets sit for about 4 minutes. Then torqued down to 150 in/lbs. Cleaned the intake plenum mounting surface with scotch brite pad and installed gasket. Torqued down to 15 ft/lbs. I had to replaced the egr tube as it was frozen stuck in the manifold. Replaced the pcv Valve and pcv grommet. This time I used some rtv sealant on the underside of the grommet edge and secured to top of opening. Dorman and the BWD brand both were loose in the opening even with the pcv valve installed in the grommet. Got it all back together and started up this evening, No oil leaks so far. Idles fine and runs tons better...

 

[Deleted member 352605]

Nice!!! Let us know if there is anything else!

 

[Summajet]

One last thing. Replacing the boot on the intermediate steering shaft. I have not looked it up yet. Do you have to remove the whole rack to do so?
Thanks

 

[Deleted member 352605]

i believe so, unfortunately... I am not completely sure, but i think so. I would get the answers of others, such as donalds or c420sailor tho as well