Cut down spark plug cover?

[topcat1]

Hi, the spark plug cover in the cam cover does not go all the way to the end, has this been cut down and is there any reason for this?

I'm planning on removing so I can get the cam cover and fuel rail powder coated.

[Basil Brush]

It looks like it has. Mine reaches to the end.

[m4tti]

Looks like it's been prised up and cracked.

Have a look at the thread in my profile. I had mine powder coated the same colour as my hoses.

[ShiDevil]

That's not good!

It's been cut or damaged. Replace but check Sparks etc and leads as the damage might not end with the cover.

It doesn't look like there's a lot of tlc in that area

[topcat1]

Is there any reason for someone to cut it down? Also I'm aware this is probably an early cover, am I right in thinking that the later ones have casting changes to drip oil onto the cam, and is it worth doing something with whilst I have3 it off?

[glow worm]

Yes later cam covers have "fins" in the casting to drip oil. The back of the cover is prone to water ingress so I would be tempted to get hold of a new plug cover and make sure there is a good seal.

[Basil Brush]

I'm guessing it's been levered up from the front not realising there's a third screw after the end of the six.

[topcat1]

Worth me TIG'ing on some drip points if I can determine the right places?

I'll replace the cover. Out of interest why do they seem to suffer with water- is it dripping from the scuttle or just damp from turbulence under the bonnet when driving?

[DJR 7]

You can see the correct length here

[glow worm]

The "drip" fins

[topcat1]

Thanks very much, I might attempt to TIG some small drip points on, although it may bugger up the cover if it is a weird alloy

[ShiDevil]

topcat1 said:

Worth me TIG'ing on some drip points if I can determine the right places?

I'll replace the cover. Out of interest why do they seem to suffer with water- is it dripping from the scuttle or just damp from turbulence under the bonnet when driving?

Under the bonnet is like a furnace when driving, so it's not damp it's normally when you wash the car or its raining etc.