Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,

I am getting a leak from my offside rocker which seems to be getting worse. I am reluctantly going to replace the gasket (last time was a nightmare and wouldn't stop leaking) and wonder if I should adjust the tappets whilst at it? What's the best method - can't imagine they've been done for years and years! Slight rattle on start up but ok after 20mins normally.

Cheers in advance!
Josh

You will struggle to adjust the tappets on a CU engine as they are hydraulic!

Hello,

This is a topic that is regularly reviewed..

Are you sure that the rocker gasket is leaking, and not one (or more) of the pushrod seals between the pushrod tube and the cylinder head..

Pushrod tube:



Do you have the 'wongly 'spring that holds the pushrod tubes in place..

Are the rocker boxes in good condition.. not rusted or bent..

Do you have the rocker box retaining string on the right way round..

Ok.. setting tappets, can be done cold or hot..

Remove spark plugs..and equip yourself with a 13 and 14 mm sockets, an extension bar, a suitable screwdriver, and a 13mm ring spanner..

Engine level, both rocker boxes off. holding the lock screw in place with the screwdriver, slacken off the 13 mm locking nuts, make sure the adjusting screw is free to move

Set the engine at TDC.. so that you will see Nr 1 cylinder piston up and valves closed, mark turbine with Tippex TDC and 180 degrees (opposite side)

Now adjust Nr 1.. wind the screw in till it touches.. then + 1 turn.. lock off..

Turn engine 180 degrees ANTI clockwise (as seen from the turbine).. then do Nr 2

Turn engine anti clockwise till the tdc mark comes up.. now do Nr 3

once again and do nr 4.

Still using the old gaskets in the rocker boxes.. start an run the engine till the tappet rattle is gone..

Now repeat the operation.. still only 1 turn..you will be surprised at the adjustment necessary..

Now run the engine again..

Now take the adjusting screws to 1 1/2 turns..

Recheck.. make sure that the engine is firing healthily on all 4 cylinders..

Then grease and fit the new rocker cover gaskets.. tap the rocker boxes gently into place.. replace springs..(looking 'sad')

That should do it..

Hope this helps..

Cordialement..

porthyt wrote:Hi,

I am getting a leak from my offside rocker which seems to be getting worse. I am reluctantly going to replace the gasket (last time was a nightmare and wouldn't stop leaking) and wonder if I should adjust the tappets whilst at it? What's the best method - can't imagine they've been done for years and years! Slight rattle on start up but ok after 20mins normally.
Cheers in advance!
Josh

A lot of gaskets out there are sub standard and thin, so make sure that you buy best quality ones. It is also a bit of a fiddle getting the cover and gasket to sit completely flat when putting the spring back, so take your time. How often do you use your van? If you don't use it regularly the tappets will drain down and rattle on start up. Also, what oil do you use?

Morning all.

Thanks for your replies.
I have already replaced all pushrod tubes with new seals (all from brickworks). It certainly looks like it's the rocker cover bottom right hand corner as you look at it. Also have new VW stamped rocker covers and proper new strong clips.

In terms of oil I think it is shell (something like 15w 40 but can't remember). Can never find a definitive answer on what I should use?

Should I/ can I adjust the tappets then? Use the bus probs once a week and once every 2 weeks for a long trip. Drives lovely and smooth but loses oil and is perhaps a bit tappets on start up. Don't know if it's worth meddling with it.

Final question if I over filled oil could it leak out the rockers? Should I check/top up oil cold, warm or hot?

Cheers
Josh

porthyt wrote: Should I/ can I adjust the tappets then? Use the bus probs once a week and once every 2 weeks for a long trip. Drives lovely and smooth but loses oil and is perhaps a bit tappets on start up. Don't know if it's worth meddling with it.

Costs nothing to check... takes 1/2 an hour.....the second time...

one more thing off that 'worry' list..

Final question if I over filled oil could it leak out the rockers? Should I check/top up oil cold, warm or hot?

Cheers
Josh

Aircooleds do not like being overfilled..better to drain and do it right....then you will be able to tell if you are using oil..

I check oil level and temp at least once during a day's trip.... preferably after a climb... check on the flat.. dipstick check, to the touch it should be' hot but not hurty'.. top up as required..no more..

Hope this helps..

Aircooled Bliss..

Cordialement,