8 replies to this topic

[Brookesy]

Hello again.

After reading the engine detailing thread im looking at changing my rocker cover to a chrome version. Are these easy to change? Just a case of getting the seal and line up right isnt it?

Cheers Mike

[mike.]

Yeah easy to change, may aswell check and adjust your tappets while you've got it off.

You'll need a new gasket and depending on the type of rocker cover your getting you might need some RTV sealant to 'glue' the gasket to the cover to stop it moving when you put the rocker cover on.

[jamiestevenbell]

yes i agree n you will need either some sealant or about 5min before you change the cover put the gasket around your head lol that usually works

[mk=john]

Hi
Yeah, easy to change, but over time they can be sticky after the fixings are removed, due to the gasket sticking to the head etc. Do not be tempted to lever it up where the flange joins the gasket, you will only damage it.

Instead, give it a light tap in opposite directions on the corners with a soft mallet. Just light taps on the corners will be enough to dislodge it. Dont tap anywhere else or it may be damaged.

Edited by mk=john, 06 August 2011 - 10:05 PM.

[Brookesy]

Yeah easy to change, may aswell check and adjust your tappets while you've got it off.

You'll need a new gasket and depending on the type of rocker cover your getting you might need some RTV sealant to 'glue' the gasket to the cover to stop it moving when you put the rocker cover on.

How do i check and adjust and what are my tappets? lol still getting used to everything

Thanks again for the advice. Any sealents you guys would reccomend?

Cheers Mike

Oh and also my cap is in the centre of my cover. Does the new cover have to have the cap in the same place? May be a stupid question again but better to check

Edited by Brookesy, 06 August 2011 - 10:15 PM.

[AlexMozza]

yes i agree n you will need either some sealant or about 5min before you change the cover put the gasket around your head lol that usually works

The head of the engine or your actual head?

Its worth changing the 'T' bars too as it finishes of the whole look

Silicon Selant works fine, but you also get specail gasket selant

Edited by AlexMozza, 06 August 2011 - 10:12 PM.

[dklawson]

You asked how you adjust the tappets. That is also referred to as "adjusting the valves" or "setting/adjusting the valve lash". Succintly you turn the engine over until the valve you want to adjust is fully closed (valve all the way up, springs fully extended) then you loosen the lock nut on the rocker arm and use a screwdriver to turn the adjusting screw to provide the correct clearance between the tip of the valve stem and the end of the rocker arm (checked using feeler gauges).

You should get a service manual if you don't have one. The procedure will be described in detail there. The manual may also describe the "rule of 9" which tells you which valves can be adjusted at the same time. It's not a hard process to adjust valves but while the cover is off it is indeed a good time to do it.

As for the new valve cover, there are some minor things I do when fitting them that may help you. Rocker covers are often warped or deforrmed from being over-tightened. On the other hand, the top of the head is flat. When fitting the new parts, thoroughly clean and degrease the gasket seat on the cover and the corresponding surface on the cylinder head. Then apply a very THIN film of grease all the way around the perimeter of the head where the gasket will sit. Returning to the valve cover, apply RTV to the surface where the gasket sits, fit the gasket gently making sure there is contact with the RTV all the way around. Fit the cover/gasket to the cylinder head and tighten the mounting bolts/nuts finger tight. Allow this to sit for a few hours (at least... if not over night) then tighten the gasket properly once the RTV has cured. The RTV fills the gaps/voids between the gasket and cover while the other gasket surface conforms perfectly to the flat surface of the head. You should find no leaks and minimal torque will be required to secure the cover and achieve the seal.

[Brookesy]

Thankyou very much for the advice! It's superb!Parts have been ordered so will be fiting end of this week.
Thanks once again much appriciated:)

Mike

[m0useYy]

Thanks also Very helpfull!