Valve cover bolts coming loose

I have edelbrock aluminum heads, cast aluminum valve covers, cork gasket, stainless steel hex bolts.

I have about 6 - 8 heat cycles on this setup. Every time it heats up, the bolts loosen and oil leaks.

I called edelbrock and guy said there is not a torque spec for the Vc bolts. When the aluminum heads heat up they expand and crush the cork. He suggested I use a rubber gasket because it has better elasticity. If that does not solve it, use studs and bolts. Seems worth a try.

Previously I had stamped steel covers and a cork gasket, it acted the same way. I tried blue thread lock along with lock washers. Continued to loosen up.

Am I not getting the bolts tight enough? I get them plenty snug, though I am a bit reserved as I don’t want to split the cork or strip the threads, or break the valve cover.

Anyone have the solution? I want to avoid rtv, until last desperate try.

So far the problem has been resolved. I have three rides on this setup with no sign of oil leakage.

I used Edlebrock 7532 valve cover gasket. It did need to be trimmed on the corners for a decent fit to the valve covers. The bolt holes did not line up great either, had to hone out a few. I used 3m spray adhesive to get proper alignment to the valve covers and let it setup with clothes line hangers to hold form.

Used jegs brand studs and nylon lock nuts. Part number 555-50148. I just used antisieze on the studs for the head side, nothing on the nylock side. The studs and/or nuts have not come loose

Use a mild Locktight like blue and the rubber gaskets.

Over torqueing will ruin the covers.

Here is a picture

I don’t know why I never thought of the nyloc nut idea... I thought you just snug them back up every 100 miles as a rule!