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Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 1:00 pm
by 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

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 1:35 pm
by 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.

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 2:34 pm
by 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 :-)

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 2:36 pm
by mikeonb4c
Simon Jones wrote: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?

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 4:28 pm
by 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.

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 7:06 pm
by Gripped
A quick search - rocker cover bolts = 8Nm i.e. not very tight.

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 7:34 pm
by 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.

Re: Replacing rocker cover gasket

Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 7:47 pm
by mikeonb4c
Thanks everyone :-)