ACT Plenum and rocker removal & refit
Discussion
Getting together my list of winter jobs - one of which is painting the rocker covers.
To do this I need to remove the ACT plenum and the rockers themselves - anything else?
Once I've done this, what do I need in order to put the rockers and plenum back on?
I'm thinking mainly in terms of gaskets/sealants etc.
Thanks
To do this I need to remove the ACT plenum and the rockers themselves - anything else?
Once I've done this, what do I need in order to put the rockers and plenum back on?
I'm thinking mainly in terms of gaskets/sealants etc.
Thanks
The passenger side is easier to get off. The fuel rail and coolant hoses going to the heater matrix make the drivers side a bit trickier. I normally unbolt the fuel rail on the drivers side and lift it slightly to clear the rocker cover. I'm pretty sure you can get the drivers rocker cover off without disconnecting any of the coolant hoses but when you're putting freshly painted ones back on it would be a lot easier to have the metal pipes out of the way. The power steering reservoir should push out of the way.
You will need this socket to remove the rocker cover screws.......
https://chimaerapartsonline.co.uk/product/rocker-c...
When removing the covers and gaskets be very careful not to lose the brass spacers embedded in the gasket.
https://chimaerapartsonline.co.uk/product/rocker-c...
When removing the covers and gaskets be very careful not to lose the brass spacers embedded in the gasket.
I fitted stainless cap head screws in place of the mild steel ones on my car. Also used them for the original plenum and the 6 countersunk ones on the steering wheel. Just a bit of bling but I like the contrast - stainless and satin black..
Stainless bolts from here: http://www.kaysfasteners.co.uk/a2-stainless-steel-...
Stainless bolts from here: http://www.kaysfasteners.co.uk/a2-stainless-steel-...
Regarding the plenum if you have not sealed one before, have a chat with Tim at ACT. I was plagued with airleak issues before seeking his advice. From memory you need to seal it in a certain way and leave it 24hours before starting it. Sealed using the correct method mine has been fine for many years.
Matthew Poxon said:
Regarding the plenum if you have not sealed one before, have a chat with Tim at ACT. I was plagued with airleak issues before seeking his advice. From memory you need to seal it in a certain way and leave it 24hours before starting it. Sealed using the correct method mine has been fine for many years.
I’ve bought a used one, which fortunately has the later throttle linkage. Haven’t done a trial fit yet, but it looks like the existing gasket is sealed to the carbon plenum with a rubberised sealant, so need to decide whether to remove this or try bolting to the base plate plate adapter as is. I’ve spoken to Tim, who was really helpful and is happy to supply any missing bolts, gaskets etc. So looking good. Will post some photos once I get started.
You need high temperature silicon gasket maker in black on a standard plenum. It's cheap, I used this the last time I did it (other sellers are available!):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Gasket-Maker-RTV-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Gasket-Maker-RTV-...
ianwayne said:
You need high temperature silicon gasket maker in black on a standard plenum. It's cheap, I used this the last time I did it (other sellers are available!):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Gasket-Maker-RTV-...
Agree, you can use these products.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Gasket-Maker-RTV-...
I use this for my sump, readily available from motor factors and in an easy to use dispenser.
I use this only, on my sump.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WYNNS-BLACK-GASKET-MAKE...
Thanks for all the info everyone - should make removal an easier task for me!
I'll speak to Tim at ACT as well and get the relevant gaskets from him.
For the rocker covers will I just need two new cork gaskets?
Might as well get myself some exhaust manifold gaskets as well, that's another on the to do list!
I'll speak to Tim at ACT as well and get the relevant gaskets from him.
For the rocker covers will I just need two new cork gaskets?
Might as well get myself some exhaust manifold gaskets as well, that's another on the to do list!
That's what I'm using (mostly), too. 
phazed said:
Agree, you can use these products.
I use this for my sump, readily available from motor factors and in an easy to use dispenser.
I use this only, on my sump.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WYNNS-BLACK-GASKET-MAKE...
I use this for my sump, readily available from motor factors and in an easy to use dispenser.
I use this only, on my sump.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WYNNS-BLACK-GASKET-MAKE...
ianwayne said:
Look out for the rocker cover gaskets designated as being for Land Rovers, they're usually rubber with the inserts.
These should do the job, then! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-V8-MGRV8-Morgan-TV...
GR_TVR said:
These should do the job, then!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-V8-MGRV8-Morgan-TV...
Yeshttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-V8-MGRV8-Morgan-TV...
Finally got round to starting this - got down to the trumpets yesterday, which I've found out are the ACT carbon ones. Plan is to just give this area a quick clean - I wasn't planning on stripping this down any further, unless someone can give me a reason to?
Next step will be on to removing the rocker covers.
Should I be doing anything else whilst I'm doing this, for simplicity etc? The only other thing I was planning on doing was the exhaust manifold gaskets.
Next step will be on to removing the rocker covers.
Should I be doing anything else whilst I'm doing this, for simplicity etc? The only other thing I was planning on doing was the exhaust manifold gaskets.
Are the exhaust gaskets leaking.
Starter motor and exhaust will need removing to do this job unless your double jointed.
If your going to remove the exhaust you might aswell remove Y Piece and now you have manifolds off you can use a simple battery drill with various attachments to take the rust off, wet and dry then polish, totally pointless but gives you something to do indoors of an evening or three!
Just so it looks like you actually did something when it’s back together
If you then warm the engine so the pipes go golden brown then use some spray lube all over them, it burns off but stays good for about 6 months before rust will start to form again. Every now and then I use wire wool or cooker cleaners to remove surface rust and a bit of Solvol and a rag, shiny shiny ,thumbup:
It’s pointless but I get a kick out of the look.
When you fire it up and they turn this colour it’s well worth the effort.
I’d be a steam enthusiast if it wasn’t for cars, love a bit of polishing and it’s long term effects.
Starter motor and exhaust will need removing to do this job unless your double jointed.
If your going to remove the exhaust you might aswell remove Y Piece and now you have manifolds off you can use a simple battery drill with various attachments to take the rust off, wet and dry then polish, totally pointless but gives you something to do indoors of an evening or three!
Just so it looks like you actually did something when it’s back together
If you then warm the engine so the pipes go golden brown then use some spray lube all over them, it burns off but stays good for about 6 months before rust will start to form again. Every now and then I use wire wool or cooker cleaners to remove surface rust and a bit of Solvol and a rag, shiny shiny ,thumbup:
It’s pointless but I get a kick out of the look.
When you fire it up and they turn this colour it’s well worth the effort.
I’d be a steam enthusiast if it wasn’t for cars, love a bit of polishing and it’s long term effects.
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