Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all

This has to be the simplest job in the world, but I just cannot get it to work - my Rockers keep leaking.

I've ordered new Gaskets, covers and clips and put them on as carefully as possible, but they are still leaking like buggery! Would like to see if there's a video out there that shows how to do it - it may be just the simplest thing I'm leaving out?!

If anyone has a link, would really appreciate it!

Thanks

here we go matey -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozht-_iu ... re=related" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

esp 8th to 10th minute of the video -
this geezer uses gasket sealer?

are you?

is it useful?

Should be, applies to T25 except the difference with hydraulic lifters but the sequence is correct. Just remember when he4 refers to passenger side, its drivers side here

I tend to use a sealer too - unless the springs are tight enough to take your fingers off .

Nice one Edoh, that's exactly what I'm after! Thanks for sending through. The power of video

Doesn't seem like I'm doing anything different, just doesn't seem to work. I did try sealing the Gaskets using silicone with the old covers, but it still leaked. I used Grease with these ones, as I thought being new they'd be better, but doesn't seem to be the case. A while ago I had the covers on without sealant and they worked fine, not sure what happened?!

I guess I need to get "Avitaion Form a Gasket" or "Gasket sinch". Does anyone know where you can get that in the UK, or what's the best stuff to use here?

Cheers again.

I found on mine no matter how carefull I was I could never get them to seal right too, trying to push the clips up seemed to move the cover enough to unseat the gasket. So what I do now is pop the clip out completely, put the rocker cover with gasket on in the correct place, put the clip back in place at one end and seat it where it should be in the middle of the rocker cover - you can hold the cover with one hand and slip the clip in place with the other. Then, it's just a case of levering the other end of the clip into place using a screwdrive or whatever. If you do it right, it can be done without moving the cover, hence the gasket should stay nicely sealed. Works for me anyway.

not had a problem with mine, I can 'walk' the cover spring down with a pair of screwdrivers. suspect damaged head face or incorrect thickness of gasket?

I got covers, gaskets and clips from GSF and the clips were so soft and flimsy I used the old ones (which would have taken my fingers off had I lost concentration!). I guess the clips you have may be too soft to make a tight seal, so maybe some VW ones may be better?

i had the same prob years ago and it was the spring clip at fault. got a new vw one job sorted.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

I'm able to get these new clips on by hand - IE without a screwdriver, so does that mean they're too loose? The old ones were basically the same.

Jason K, when you say spring clip, do you mean the one that go over the Rocker Covers, or that twisted silver one that goes around the Rockers themselves?!

Cheers

I've gone with a gasket sealant - Locktite, so fingers crossed. These things are driving me insane! This must be about my 20th attempt

Just comparing my new Rockers with the old ones, the new ones are definitely not VW and are a bit flimsier. I decided to use the old clips with the new covers as they're stronger. I still could put them on without a screwdriver though, hopefully the sealant will make a difference...

Cheers again for the advice everyone. I'm leaving it to dry and praying

desmond wrote:
I'm able to get these new clips on by hand - IE without a screwdriver, so does that mean they're too loose?

I would say YES

All the ones I have done have needed a big screwdriver to lever them over the bump.

Sounds like it, thanks Ghost.

I'll see how this silicone job goes. If it doesn't work I'll track down the proper VW ones.

Cheers

Both surfaces have to be completly clean ie. no oil or grease. If you have got oil on them the gasket tends to slip from it's original position and you get leaks.
Offer the bottom of the rocker cover to the cylinder head first, making sure it's touching when you move the top in the rest of the way. The bottom of the gasket has a tendancy of moving if not done this way!
SIlicone sealant won't last long in there. Heat and oil will soon break it down.
Probably your problem is the weak clips. Take them off (open slightly at the ends to remove) and try bending the centre of the clips inwards a little.
Use cork gaskets every time... Not the rubber ones I bought once and had to replace after less than 100 miles because they had shrunk and cracked already!

Thanks for the in-depth reply VWCamperfan

You're right about them breaking down - I did them a little while back and they were only leaking slightly then, they progressively got worse, which is why I'm doing them again.

I'll try bending them in. The VW ones especially are tough little buggers. Will give it another shot if this doesn't work. Thanks for your help.

Also worth a mention here is that Silicone, unless used VERY sparingly, has the habit of squeezing out of the mating surfaces and bits of it break off, go around your engine and block up oil-ways or pressure release valves etc

Take care if using it !!