top cover gasket

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:58 pm

Hi all how is the proper way to replace this?? I bought the gasket, cleaned the area on the cylinder head where it is to fit, cleaned top cover, applied the red gasket sealant to the top cover and top of cylinder head and replaced top cover and tightened!!, Result : - when toping the oil it came out from under the gasket!! what did I do wrong?

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:10 pm

I usually find the best way is to apply Hylomar (not the red stuff, that sets hard and is a pig to remove) to the rocker box and when it is tacky stick the cork gasket to the rocker box. You can then check that the gasket is a good fit all round. Then replace the rocker box on to the cylinder head taking care not to dislodge the gasket around the heater tap / battery area. Tighten the rocker box bolts up but do not strain them and then visually check that the gasket is still in place.

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:40 pm

Last time I did this I took the cork gasket out of the wrapper to find the long sides were bowed inwards. I knew that would make it a pig to align so I soaked it overnight in light oil (3 in 1) That almost completely straightened it out and probably softened it a bit. As yet (2000 miles) doesn't leak a bit.

Post by **Leo** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:43 pm

Glue the gasket to the rocker cover using impact adhesive or super glue and grease the face that mates up to the cylinder head.
Do not over tighten the 2 rocker cover bolts.
The gasket should last for years and you will be able to take the rocker cover off to adjust the tappets without having to replace the gasket.

Leo 69 Traveller

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:54 pm

Yes I agree - glue the gasket to the rocker cover - and do NOT put any form of sealer between gasket and head. Later rocker covers have an internal 'baffle' on the sides to help constrain the gasket.