Morris Minor Owners Club

Nice sunny day so got out there greased me trunnions even lubricated the cluch rods and bits to stop it creaking. Then turned me attention to the engine. Removed the rocker cover, re torqued the head bolts (had it off a few weeks ago so should have done it sooner) re gapped the tappets and fitted nice new cork gasket as the old one had a couple of weepy bits. Started up and went for a drive. Upon returning opened the bonnet to see the contents of the sump spread around the head and distibuter etc !!

All leaking from the rocker cover so removed it cleaned up and spread a liberal coating of hylomar on both sides. Refitted it and tightened it down but not too tight. Bloody thing still leaks like a goodun, wish I had left it alone now and just used the old gasket. Any ideas what I am doing wrong !!

Tighten more

a little bit of grease around the gasket helps sometimes.

Reminds me of when I wiped down the distributor side of the engine and removed the dipstick to make it easier. I then went for a 5 mile drive and thought it was strange that I could smell hot oil and fumes. I got back to find the whole engine covered in oil from the dipstick hole because I had forgotten to put the dipstick back.

After wiping the mess clean (with the dipstick out to make it easier of course) I started the engine and guess what...

Regarding the rocker cover gasket, make sure it hasnt moved and gone inside the rocker cover.

Steve

Best to stick the new gasket to the rocker cover - then carefully position it and nip it down. But NOT too tightly!

Pulled the cover off this morning and found a kink in the gasket, must be where it leaked so glued the gasket to the rocker cover using silicone (cheers BMC good idea) now all dry, just got to clean all the oil spill from the engine bay. Cheers for the help and sugestions

Withe gasket glued to tye cover - it can be used over and over without any problem. Just don't squash it FLAT when tightening the two hold down bolts.