How To: 4.0 L Valve Cover torque sleeves

So if you are here, you probably lost a torque sleeve or never had them when you disassembled the valve cover on your 4.0 to replace a valve cover gasket while chasing an oil leak. While we will not get into the valve cover gasket install itself, this is place to help guide you through making sure you install the ObsoleteJeep.com Torque Sleeves replacement of Mopar Part Number 53020598AB correctly. We recommend our Torque Sleeves be used in conjunction with FEL-PRO Grommets (ES72490) for the 4.0. Mopar Part 3020598AB has been discontinued for quite some time and you will find several folks now making rapid prototype plastic replacements. Our replacement Torque Sleeves cost more than this option because they are made from a compressible metal as Mopar designed them, not some material that will heat cycle, become brittle and break, or overheat and melt leaving you a bigger problem than what you started with. Remember, torque sleeves are designed to prevent over-tightening and when partnered with grommets are critical for achieving an even seal and preventing damage to the valve cover or gasket. So I guess all I am saying is buyer beware.

We are going to assume that you have already removed the valve cover to service the head or valve cover gasket for some reason. Using this assumption you will already have the needed ratchet with appropriate sockets (usually 10mm for valve cover bolts), a torque wrench is optional but recommended, possibly a pick for removing the old valve cover grommets from the valve cover, and the always needed rags or shop towels. I am also a big fan of the liberal use of brake cleaner or degreaser for cleaning surfaces up and just making things look good.

Step-by-Step-ish Installation

1. Install Obsoletejeep.com Torque Sleeves and FEL-PRO Grommets

Remove the old grommets from the valve cover

Inspect the bolt holes on the valve cover. Insert a grommet and a torque sleeve into each bolt hole to prevent over-tightening during installation to help distribute clamping force evenly across the valve cover. Clean all of these surfaces well and make sure your valve cover is not damaged on the sealing surface.

2. Install the Valve Cover

Carefully position the valve cover on the cylinder head. Ensure the gasket stays aligned and doesn’t shift and that you do not drop any torque sleeves or grommets:

Insert the bolts through the valve cover, ensuring the torque sleeves and grommets remain in place, and hand-tighten the bolts to start to avoid cross-threading. Tighten them evenly in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket.

3. Torque the Bolts

Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specification (typically around 85–115 inch-pounds or 7–9 foot-pounds for a 4.0L engine). The torque sleeves will help prevent over-tightening.

4. Reconnect all hoses, cables, and wires, etc. that you disconnected on disassembly to their original locations.

5. Test for Leaks

Run the engine and check for leaks around the valve cover. Pay close attention to the gasket area and grommet seals. I suggest that after the engine warms up, turn it off and check the bolts. Re-torque if needed.

And that is it! You now have your 4.0 back to how the OEM engineers designed your valve cover.