20 replies to this topic

[Jared Mk3]

Hi,

 

I've had a bit of a search, but can't seem to find much on this. I'll be replacing a whole lot of seals on my engine soon as well as the rocker cover gasket. What I wanted to know, would it be worth fitting a silicon item, like this one CLICKY? Or should I just save my money and stick with the old cork gasket and proper fitting?  

 

Some opinions would be nice. Thanks 

[jccc78]

id go with the silicon rocker seal I had replacing cork seal on my car a few times

Edited by jccc78, 21 November 2014 - 10:03 AM.

[Jared Mk3]

Is the fitment of the silicon one any different to that of the cork one?

[jccc78]

will be made to same shape and size as old cork version

[nicklouse]

nothing wrong with either.

 

the cork ones are not really meant to be reused.

 

the silicon ones are good if you are going to be having the rocker cover off regularly.

 

this is not to say you cant reuse the cork ones but it is always good to have a spare.

[Jared Mk3]

So it might be worth looking at the silicon one then for ease of use, especially since I'm out in SA and you can't always get these things? Also, I've read that to make fitment easier with the cork one, I'd use a sealant for between the gasket and cover and then a lick of oil between gasket and head? Is that correct? Would it be the same process for the silicon one?

[nicklouse]

in that case I would also have a couple of spare cork ones just incase.

[Jared Mk3]

I suppose so yes. Any idea on my question of the fitting?

[dklawson]

Both work and both can be made to work many, many times.  I have posted the following assembly method before and repeat it here to save having to search for old threads.  The method can be used with either gasket type and results in an installation that both seals and allows removal of the valve cover multiple times.

 

Remove the rocker cover and scrape off every last bit of the old gasket and any sealant on the flange the gasket sits in.  

Clean the top of the cylinder head in the same way, removing all bits of the old gasket and sealant.

Degrease the valve cover flange and top of the head.

Wipe a thin smear of clean grease on the top of the head where the gasket will sit.

Take your new gasket (silicone or cork) and place it on the head.

Temporarily fit the valve cover as a guide to help you locate the seal on the head.

Remove the valve cover (straight up) and push the gasket gently down into the thin grease so the gasket is flat against the head all the way around.

Apply a thin bead of RTV sealant to the flange on the valve cover and lower it onto the gasket.

Fit the valve cover retaining hardware finger-tight (no more), then allow the RTV to cure for several hours.

After several hours (or better yet... over night) tighten the valve cover hardware fully.

 

The grease serves two purposes.  It holds the gasket intimately against the flat surface of the head and serves as a release agent.  The RTV bonds the gasket to the valve cover AND fills all the voids the cover may have from distortions (twisting and bending) of the valve cover flange.  You end up with a valve cover with attached gasket that sits perfectly to the contours of your engine's cylinder head.  Yes, the method takes a bit of time but the results will save you a lot of time and gaskets in the future.

[Jared Mk3]

That's really helpful, thanks  Now, when you say grease, what type of grease are you talking about? Appreciate the help.

[dklawson]

Hmm... I thought I answered this earlier but my post is not showing up.

 

I do not use any special grease.  Regular wheel bearing grease will be fine.

[Jared Mk3]

That helps a lot. Thanks for the info!

[mk1leg]

well if your into doing a lot of mods to your mini and will be taking rocker cover of a lot then silicone  if just service once a year then cork

[Spider]

Can't say I'm crazy about the Silicon type gaskets especially when fitted between machined cast parts and pressed sheet metal bits, they just can't conform to the irregularities like cork will, and when you try to tighten them down that tad more, they oooze out over time. Cork doesn't look as 'bling' but time prroven over and over.

[Jared Mk3]

That makes sense as well. Also, I think with the price difference between the two, I could get a few of the cork gaskets. Was just curious to see if there's any advantage with the silicone item. Thanks for the comments.