Replacing Rocker cover gasket

[shaun1]

Typical, just when my my ST runs out of warranty, the above gasket fails! I've decided to roll my sleeves up & do the work myself (my local dealer played me a while ago & I promised never to return again). Has anyone any practical tips on replacing this gasket? It looks straight forward enough but I would appreciate any guidance/tips/tricks of the trade.

[MikeMike]

Don't touch it unless you have a decent torque wrench.

[shaun1]

I have a 1/2" & a 3/8" torque wrench so I'm sure one of these will suffice. I'll obtain the TWS's from the dealership, as I understand that the newer improved bolts are tightened to a different setting to the originals.

[Mokkybear]

You'll need to use some sealant at the junction where the 'eyelids' meet the regular part of the gasket - don't use silicone unless it is specifically marked as safe for fuel injection systems - if not it can ruin your oxygen sensor.

The manual says to fit the gasket to the cover and then fit the cover to the engine - I found it easier to locate the gasket on the head, then carefully ease the cover over it.

Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. For good measure, I used a small amount of sealant around the outer half of the whole underside of the gasket.

Everything else is simply careful dis-assembly and re-assembly.

[shaun1]

Thanks for the info. Didn't consider the significance of the sealant so cheers for that. I've got it all stripped down at moment, just waiting for the seal to arrive. Decided to remove the radiator and the plastic shield that sits in front of the rocker cover to enable much easier access for cleaning the surface refitting. Loads more space now, can actually see what I'm doing!