[Engine] Oil leak rocker cover

[Ricbob123]

Had an oil leak on the bottom section of the rocker cover, it wasnt too bad but did drip onto the ground every so often. so i decided to replace the gasket. not a hard job in its self but the gasket is a funny shape and difficult to get right.

anyway new gasket fitted and engine put back together, ran it in a bit and it all seemed good. a few days later i come to the car and see a big oily mess under the car.

The gasket had bulged out at one point and opened a hole for oil to spray all over the engine bay :-(

Having refitted the gasket im worried this may happen again, does anyone have any tips on:-
A) fitting the gasket so this doesn't happen again
B) using gasket sealer gel/paste instead of the rubber gasket
C) cleaning up the oiled up engine bay, jet wash maybe (what to cover up?)

Thanks

[brodfather11]

A :-- Fit the gasket properly, Son in law had the same leak but he had two , one at the rocker cover and a rust pinhole in the sump. He only discovered the sump leak after resealing the rocker cover twice. His had no gasket just a silicon seal.

B :-- I wouldn't use sealer with a rubber gasket as it tends to lubricate the gasket making it easier to slip out of place. Only a spot to hold gasket in place while fitting. Dont use it instead of a rubber gasket

C :-- Those oil absorbent granules are good for cleaning up oil spills , put it on and leave it for a while to absorb the excess ,clean it up and reapply clean stuff. IF concrete it wont get it all out but over time with the area being walked on and used it breaks down into fine dust that hides and keeps absorbing the oil stain.
Not so good unless its under cover and not exposed to rain/water. I always thought that pressure washing just forced the oil deeper into concrete.

[geoff]

If the oil "sprayed " as you say then the rocker cover will have become pressurised so you'll need to ensure any engine breathers are clear.
Usually the rubber type gaskets don't like being overtightened so take care here and tighten down evenly.

[ffrenchie]

On my bike I use gasket mastic to stick the rubber gasket into the rocker cover so it can't move while it's being fitted and a thin smear into the channel on the head that it is going into. I've used the same gasket a few times this way as they are expensive.

[Ricbob123]

Hi thanks for the advice,

engine breathers are clear, im guessing the engine got covered as the leak probably developed when gunning it down the M1.

As for the oil on the floor i chucked some sawdust on it and with the heavy rain last few days its all gone. i was asking particularly about cleaning the engine up as the oil has got into all the places i cant reach with a cloth. im thing some 'Muc off' type stuff and a jet wash? it really is a problem as the oil is still dripping off the engine 3 days later and i have to be careful where i park it.

I think i probably have overtightened the rocker cover and now worried is going to happen again. think i may just use sealant or does the gasket provide a clearance for the valve/tappits/rockers whatever is under the cover?

[Coco]

I used Muc Off, allowed it to sink in and agitated it with an old paintbrush. Then started the engine and used a handheld spray bottle filled with warm water to rinse it off.

I know that others have used jetwash or garden hose after covering electrical units and connectors, but I wasn't that brave. Certainly helped.

P.S. best not to do it on your drive

[tucker]

I replaced my rocker gasket and there's a procedure for the order in which you tighten the nuts and I think they have to be torqued correctly so it sits flat and is not tighter at any one bolt.

It might be that you have overtightened and forced the gasket out as a result.

[Ricbob123]

I replaced my rocker gasket and there's a procedure for the order in which you tighten the nuts and I think they have to be torqued correctly so it sits flat and is not tighter at any one bolt.

It might be that you have overtightened and forced the gasket out as a result.

Hi tucker, any idea where you got that procedure from?

[tucker]

It's in the Haynes manual.

I know it shows you which order to tighten up the bolts and if memory serves me right gives you the torque settings, which I guess is to prevent the type of problem you had.