Camcover cork gasket: my solution

[Klaus Schlueter]

For those who had to open the camcover(s) this winter and are not happy with the shape of the cork gaskets here is my solution which I applied last winter when I adjusted the valve gaps:
take a very sharp/new cutter and cut the gasket where it is too long. Then glue it together with an appropriate adhesive like the one in the picture.
No need for pegs anymore. Worked for over 5000 km now.
Klaus

K1600_CCI02122017_0002.jpg

[dickr]

A good idea, Klaus. In fact I have done this superglue trick for the past 4 gasket changes over 3 years. Ensures a much better fit with far less bulging out at the ends

[TR5convalescent]

Used to have similar issues with the 6 cylinder engine. I discovered that using an alloy valve cover and then gluing the gaesket to this and keeping it clamped would enable me to re use the same one for years. I just used to put a smear of Vaseline round the gasket before refitting and it was oil tight for the first time since the car left Coventry!

[Andrew S]

Do the silicone version fit Ok? Fitted some cork ones recently and they were too long and noticeably fatter so they didn't want to sit in the groove. As said, could be cut and glued

[Bandit1200]

Thanks Klaus.
I'll use your suggestion next week when I plan to stop my oil leak problems.
Happy New Year
Steve

[Mark Serj]

Might be a good idea to cut the end of the gasket when shortening them at an angle, like you would when joining a skirting board. Would probably give a better seal and a bigger bonding surface for the joint integrity?

[Klaus Schlueter]

It will surely improve the bonding Mark. Besides that, finding an appropriate cork adhesive is in my eyes most important.
Can you buy the UHU product from my picture in the UK?
Klaus

[Mark Serj]

I think UHU as a brand is still available. It was very popular here quite a few years ago but seems to have become less popular but I imagine it's available on Amazon or in the big stores.

[Seaking]

I think the suppliers need to go back to the manufacture and sort the problem why should we have to put up with crap parts

[milothedog]

Still using the red silicone ones we got on here as a group buy many years back. Seal and fit perfectly if you check a few basic things first.

Make sure the half moon seals are not sitting too proud.

Make sure you cam covers are not mis-shapen and have a flat level sealing face. Many are completel F****d due to years of over tightening, so Do Not over tighten them.

Basic stuff really but easily over looked by the in experienced

[dasadrew]

On my half-moon seals I had to trim a layer off the innerface of the 'flanges'. The groove was too narrow and meant that the 'flange' was splaying out even when the top surface was flush.

Drew

[I am Groot]

Still using the red silicone ones we got on here as a group buy many years back. Seal and fit perfectly if you check a few basic things first.

Make sure the half moon seals are not sitting too proud.

Make sure you cam covers are not mis-shapen and have a flat level sealing face. Many are completel F****d due to years of over tightening, so Do Not over tighten them.

Basic stuff really but easily over looked by the in experienced

Milo, what do you do if you have got overtightened covers? My own dont leak but overhang the inside edge and only just seal. Is there a good way to reshape them?
Thanks
Nigel

[richardthestag]

if they dont leak, leave them alone.

straightening them is straighforward if you have a nice flat surface like a kitchen worktop. make sure mrs is out first.

use a g clamp half way down the cover between the two sets of securing bolt holes, gently squeeze the sizes together. make sure that the lip remains in contact with the work surface. many need some gentle persuasion to fold the lip back down so that it is flat.

when the width of the cover is same from back to chain recess and it sits dead flat your work is done.

you will wince next time you see a gorilla with a flathead screwdriver lumbering towards your engine

[milothedog]

Milo, what do you do if you have got overtightened covers? My own dont leak but overhang the inside edge and only just seal. Is there a good way to reshape them?
Thanks
Nigel

In my experience the first thing is to push the four holes in the top back in to the original position from inside the cover where they have pulled down form over tightening. This can pull the side back inwards sometimes. Then place them on something flat like a sheet of glass or a mirror. Anything you know to be flat will do. If they are distorted they will rock about on the flat surface. If you do find this then a bit of careful manipulation is required (gentle bending) to get them flat whilst ensuring the sealing lip is also level across its section on the glass.

Hope that makes sense

[I am Groot]

Thanks guys the ghost of kryten said pinch in a vice untill sides are straight parallel. I think between the 3 methods i might end up with descent cam covers!