The tappet cover on is weeping on my truck. I thought I would check to see if the bolts are all tight. I noticed there is a combination of bolts and studs with nuts. How tight are the NUTS (not bolts) supposed to be? One was very loose! I am concerned I might tighten it too much and break something!

Thanks,
Brian

 

The studs are shouldered so in reality the nut will bottom out squeezing the gasket just right. Anything beyond that is all in the nut and stud so more than snug is a waste. You should be able to tell when you get there.

 

Wow, I wonder why the nut towards the breather was so very loose but the bolts were all fairly snug. I may not have to change out this gasket after all!!

Brian

 

There's nothing on these trucks that the Cummins hasn't shaken loose at some time or another.

 

Told ya so !!! Most of the small bolts, nuts on the Cummins are torqued to 18ftlbs.

Wanna is right again. You better believe the Cummins will shake and rattle every nut or bolt loose on the whole truck. Something to add to your PM or when you first get a 1st gen is to go under the truck with a creeper, socket set and wrenches, and check/tighten all nuts or bolts.

 

I snugged up the nut on that stud nearest the breather till I felt the nut and shoulder meet.

Even if I have to change out the gasket, I will do it later when Bill is around.

-brian