[Spacecadet]

As title. Thinking of removing the cam covers to improve paintwork in current tart up. However at £48 each, I won't if they aren't reusable!


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[Joss]

Yes you can although if they have been on there a long time disturbing them can cause them to leak.

 

[Spacecadet]

So no guarantees then. I'll pop a dollop of paint on them is situ then.


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[gibot123]

Nothing to stop you using a little instant gasket just to make sure they seal .
Be a lot easier to do them off the car than on :thumbs:

 

[SLM3CFC]

I have reused cam cover gaskets a few times and they have never had an issue. Normally a little dribble from the cam pulley area. A drop of silicone sealant on both ends will prevent that

 

[Joss]

If you have to sealant then you need a new gasket. it never left the factory with it

 

[SLM3CFC]

No idea how i found this but this explains it a little better.. Loads of cars come out the factory like that
http://pics.boredmder.com/maxima.org/VQ30-valve-covers-RTV.png

 

[Joss]

Nothing to see?

 

[Spacecadet]

New question.

The front can cover gasket is dry and fine. The rear is oily and gunky on just about all sides.

Now, my car doesn't use much oil at all. Between yearly services or 5000 miles it may need a litre. If I remove the cam cover and replace the rear cam cover gasket, I can't guarantee it'll get any better. I could make it worse.

Any thoughts?

Change it, or leave it?


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[gibot123]

As joss says new gaskets are always best option but if you are concerned as I said use some gasket sealant as an intermediate solution this will at least stop the leak for the time being.
Just make sure you clean all the surfaces with brake cleaner or alcohol before putting anything back together. And use the original gasket with a thin coat of sealant don't try to replace it with sealant . Make sure you clean the gasket aswell . Don't be frightened of it .
If you get stuck you can always come here for some more advice.
No leak is always better than a leak:thumbs:

 

[Joss]

I'd change it mate. While not detrimental to the engine will make a mess. It probably won't solve your oil usage either.

 

[AYAT]

I've ordered a new set for when the cam covers come off, ill will be going in Thursday, will take some pics when its finished.

 

[Spacecadet]

Where did you get them? A d what kind of cost please?

I've seen prices from £13 each to £48 each. Most are high twenties each.


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[AYAT]

My Indy got them in for me will ask him when I see him tommorow.

 

[Spacecadet]

Cost comparison for those that are interested on a pair of cam cover gaskets + 6 plug well gaskets. All inc post and packaging.

EB Spares £61.44 inc. postage of £8.50!
Autolusso £88.92
Euro Car Parts £27.62 (plug gaskets not available and these bits currently out of stock anyway)
Local Motor factor £30 full set.
Alfa Main dealer £66.34 (rocker cover gaskets only.)
Shop4Parts £85.25 delivered.

Thinking local factor or EB spares for original bits?



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[Joss]

Wow they have gone up a lot.

 

[Spacecadet]

EB spares ordered.

They supply proper rubber gaskets which should never be fitted with additional sealant.

Delivery due tomorrow.


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[Joss]

They supply proper rubber gaskets which should never be fitted with additional sealant.

I already told you that

 

[Spacecadet]

I already told you that

Aye, but you were outnumbered two to one!


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[Mitch916]

Using sealant is a bodge. A good gasket doesn't need sealant.