Valve Cover Tightening Sequence

[Articus]

Hey can someone let me know what order I should tighten the valve cover bolts? I labeled this picture from a DIY. It would be great if you can explain it using the letters in the picture. I don't understand what "star pattern" or "center out" really means. If I do it wrong, the valve cover will most likely leak so thanks!

[Davdraco1]

Do the bolt by the plugs first. If you have ever tightened a drum head you'll understand the start pattern. Do opposite bolts around the edges untill done. Very easy.

[Avant Nate]

this is close enough to give you the idea

[down_n_dapper]

I'd go E - D - F then alternate sides on all of them, hand tight first the torqued.

Generally centre out means do the middle bolts first and work your way out, ensuring the seal is legit

For wheels, star patern means if the bolts are in a circle pattern say:

--------1
----2------3
------4--5
then you do 1-5-2-3-4, hand tight then torque in the same pattern, this saves you tightening one side down and the otherside sitting funky.