12 replies to this topic

[Pooky]

Might seem a funny question but do different types of rocker cover seal better than others? If so which is best? Mine always seem to leak due to the silly shape the gaskets come in, do any covers hold the gasket better?

Opinions please

[Bungle]

i just use the cork gaskets

it can be a bit of a fiddle making sure they keep their shape when you tighten the rocker cover down

[Ethel]

Well steel covers have the lip.

A few light dabs of instant gasket help to keep it located on the cover. The condition and tightening of the bolts and their rubber seals are as important as the gasket for leak busting.

[dklawson]

The method below may sound like a lot of work, but it really just takes a little more time and the results justify it. I use this with the cork gaskets.

Remove the valve cover and degrease it after removing the old gasket and all/any gasket sealant on the metal lip.
Get a sheet of plate glass as large as the opening of the valve cover and place it on your workbench. (Make sure there isn't dirt, chips, etc. under the glass when you put it down, you want it on a relatively flat surface).
Apply a bead of RTV to the underside of the valve cover.
With the valve cover gooped up and upside down, fit the cork gasket.
Turn the valve cover over and place it (and the gasket) down on the plate glass.
Leave this alone overnight.

The weight of the valve cover will push the cork gasket flat against the plate glass. The uncured RTV will fill all the voids between the valve cover and the gasket. Once the RTV has cured overnight you'll have a seal bonded to the cover that is almost perfectly flat on the side that mates with the cylinder head.

I apply a VERY THIN film of non-hardening gasket sealant to the surface that rests on the cylinder head. No leaks.

I wish I could take credit for this technique but it was given to my by an engine builder who's worked on A-series stuff since I was a kid.

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Always smear my gasket with a light bit of grease, stops them moving, and seals them nicely also.

[Pooky]

Wow, some great advice there fellas!

Ta very much!

[Turbo Nick]

minispares do a nice gasket with a piece of cork across the middle to keep it in shape.

[dklawson]

minispares do a nice gasket with a piece of cork across the middle to keep it in shape.

I'm not familiar with that... and I don't see how it would work on an A-series since the rocker shaft assembly would be in the way. Do you have a part number for this gasket?

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It only keeps it in shape prior to fitting, it is a standard gasket!

[Retro_10s]

You remove the middle section that hold it's shape prior to fitment DK.

[dklawson]

Retro and Simon... thanks. That's much clearer now.

[DannyTip]

I used a few dabs of super glue to stick it to my rocker cover to keep it in place while fitting. After the first attempt ended up with oil everywhere

[duncancallum]

my boss(when i worked as a mechanic) who had minis for years told me to use contact adhesive but i tend to either use hylomar blue or if ive run out the hylomar red

the blues non seting the red hardens up