Rocker box

[plallenuk]

Hello again,

The other thing I'm about to do is take off the rocker box to give it a clean out (some emulsification of old oil on the bottom of the cap - I hope from little use rather than gasket leak), prior to doing an oil flush and change.

1) I presume I'll need to buy a gasket?

2) should I re-tighten the nuts to a particular torque (in which case I'll need to buy a wrench), or can I be sensible with a socket set and just beware not to over-tighten?

Help and advice greatly appreciated as always!

 

[Azazello]

I think that the only thing you can do is just to set valves...
How will you clean the inside? I thought that using thinners would be dangerous for the oil...

 

[Tripyrenees]

If he flossing the oil this should be OK, but just a spray degreaser should be enough and blow it all out with an hose.

No torquing unless you are taking the head off too.

Just finishing my engine build as we speak - I went deeper than initially intended but I think it is worth it and I have learnt ALOT.

 

[mojobaby]

The inside of the rocker cover has a cover plate. Old oil can accumulate behind the plate and block the breather pipe. I soaked mine in petrol to loosen the oil and then blew it out with a hosepipe.
Careful not to over tighten the nuts as the cover gives way and can easily be damaged.
I was careful when removing my cover and just used the same gasket with no problems afterwards.
In some of my previous cars, I made my own gaskets from sheets of cork. Can't seem to find them in France

 

[iMacThere4iAm]

I hate trying to reseat that gasket because it always falls out of position as you lower the rocker cover onto the head and you have to start again. A dab of Hylomar does help just to stick it in place.

 

[plallenuk]

Thanks all, I was considering a petrol wash under there, but I may well chicken out!

 

[Azazello]

I hate trying to reseat that gasket because it always falls out of position as you lower the rocker cover onto the head and you have to start again. A dab of Hylomar does help just to stick it in place.

...and when you think you did the job, the gasket just flipped out of her channel and oil drips on your exhaust... The trick, as I was told, is to clean the gasket place on the cover with thinner and then apply a bit of silicon gasket paste (is it the right name?) and then the gasket; keep under light pressure for a few seconds and then the gasket should be lightly "glued" to the cover...

 

[Tripyrenees]

I literally just glued mine on with some gasket sealant. A couple of dabs int he corners and midway. It was also quite a tight fit so it worked quite well.