Rocker Cover Gaskets

[jeboa]

Just a quick question. I've never been able to get the rocker cover gaskets to seal properly using the type in the photo (same as mine - just a photo I nicked of someone who carried out a rather good restoration job!).

I've fitted a new set of the rubber gaskets (which were the type fitted when I purchased the car over 7 years ago). They're not a great fit, you would expect the groove in the gasket to fit nicely onto the covers, but they are slightly oversize and 'splay' the gasket.

I was considering fitting the cork type gaskets - just greasing them to get a better seal - anyone tried this, or have the same problem?

[carsy]

I have these covers and went with cork gaskets, went with cork as thats what i have always used and never had problems. The cork gaskets fit fine, just stuck them to the cover with a smear of blue hylomar. Never used the rubber gaskets so cant really say how they differ.

[Hoofa]

Tried the rubber, never sealed very well so going to try cork

[bubblehead]

Had the same problem with mine. Tried a couple of sets of rubber gaskets but none would fit snugly. In the end I ground back the lip/face of the rocker cover to fit the gasket to achieve a decent leak free fit. Kind of ar$e about face way of doing it but if you look at the rocker cover itself my sealing face was mushroomed with years of over tightening to get cork gaskets to seal, may well be the same with yours.

[jeboa]

Thank you - cork gaskets on the way!

[Johno]

They'll be mine . . . . Cork gaskets, remember to torque, run, then torque again ....

[ctsdave]

We tried the rubber gaskets years ago and they were rubbish!! Never had any probs with cork types. Thin layer of grease both sides and tighten up (not too tight, more a quick nip) and they are fine.

[phazed]

I've used loads of rubber ones and never had a leak.

Probably a lot of rubbish pattern ones around I guess.

Best get from Power or Real Steel.

[Hoofa]

Tried rubber ones from v8 dev and rimmer bros, of course it could be my covers just don't suit em, so I am trying cork ones and ill report if its been a success .

[jeboa]

The rubber gaskets I fitted last time were from TVR Power. I meant to ask Dom at the time which ones he recommended, but totally forgot and just picked them up from the parts department. When you measure them up against 'Rover' manufactured items, they are slightly different.

I saw a post on the 'V8' forums a while back where someone was looking to cast a few sets of rocker covers, I've always liked this style, not sure what it would cost to get some castings done.

[spend]

The cast TVR covers (and many std Rover ones) don't fit the rubber gaskets well - unless you grind the edge so that they fit nicely (particularly in the corner areas).

Most of the grinding is on the inside so it doesn't affect the finish.