Replacing rocker cover gasket

[Gripped]

Just after some advice.

My rocker cover weeps oil (like many Bongos) but I thought I'd try and sort it out. What do people recommend?

Presumably I'll need a new gasket (£20 from the shop) but should I also use some gasket maker silicone to help prevent future leaks?

I also assume you can just do the job without dropping the oil etc - simply access the engine by removing the seats and the centre shield under the handbrake/gear selector. Then remove the top bolts, take rocker off - clean the mating surfaces, then refit with new gasket and torque up the bolts. I thought that adding some gasket maker would give a better seal at the back end where it tends to leak.

Any advice is welcome !

Thanks

[Simon Jones]

The process is pretty much as you've described. No need to drop the oil & I wouldn't bother with any sealant. The previous gasket has only failed due to 10+ years of exposure to heat & oil, so a correctly fitted replacement should last a similar length of time. Don't tighten the bolts up more than recommended as it will distort the spacers.

[mikeonb4c]

Mine could use doing also. Nipped it up 6+ years ago and its held out well, but it deserves to be treated to a new one

[mikeonb4c]

The process is pretty much as you've described. No need to drop the oil & I wouldn't bother with any sealant. The previous gasket has only failed due to 10+ years of exposure to heat & oil, so a correctly fitted replacement should last a similar length of time. Don't tighten the bolts up more than recommended as it will distort the spacers.

Any idea what the recommended is Simon? I assume it can't just be done by 'feel' and 'star pattern' tightening?

[Gripped]

Thanks for the input.

There is a torque specified somewhere - as I have tightened them up before.

Worth a search. I'll look too.

[Gripped]

A quick search - rocker cover bolts = 8Nm i.e. not very tight.

[Simon Jones]

Cheers. I sold my engine manual a while back now I've got a V6 so no longer have that sort of info to hand.

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks everyone