Cometic Cam Cover Gaskets

[iani]

Has anyone tried Cometic cam cover gaskets? they seem to only be available from the US at the moment, if they work as suggested I might be tempted.

[chrisfell]

I found that ordinary gaskets are perfectly OK on the cam covers. No leaks ever, despite being removed every year for the last thirteen to check the valves.

[iani]

I found that ordinary gaskets are perfectly OK on the cam covers. No leaks ever, despite being removed every year for the last thirteen to check the valves.

You're lucky, I'm struggling with my N/S cover, it's leaking badly and I've changed the gasket twice in the last couple of weeks, I've diminished the flow but it's still bad.

[mgcjag]

Hi Ian.....have you checked the mating surface of the cover is flat and not distorted....also worth trying to check the mating surface on the head......

[Moeregaard]

As Steve says, condition of the mating surfaces is critical. Using a screwdriver to prise them off creates pathways for oil leaks, as does over-torquing by ham-fisted mechanics. The standard gaskets are more than adequate, provided the surfaces are perfect. Also, the copper washers should be replace as well, but make sure you get the proper annealed items.

[iani]

As Steve says, condition of the mating surfaces is critical. Using a screwdriver to prise them off creates pathways for oil leaks, as does over-torquing by ham-fisted mechanics. The standard gaskets are more than adequate, provided the surfaces are perfect. Also, the copper washers should be replace as well, but make sure you get the proper annealed items.

It's my N/S cover that's causing me trouble, it was fine for over a year, then I developed what appears to be two oil leaks, one from the front of the head and the other from the rear. I have replaced the downward pointing stud nut at the front of the head with an Acorn nut and some silicon around the copper washer, I replaced the cam cover gasket, still leaking. I changed the cam gasket again and even refitted the original ribbed cam cover but it's still leaking, I did change the o ring at the rear of the cam too. I have put UV fluid in the oil and I can't see where the front leak is coming from, no tell tale staining around the timing cover. There is staining below the level of the head which is worrying, there is staining from the rear of the cam cover, and staining on the rear of the block deck but I guess this is prob just run off from the cover leak.

Ian

[chrisfell]

Also, the copper washers should be replace as well, but make sure you get the proper annealed items.

Or just anneal your own washers. Heat 'till glowing red then let them cool.

[iani]

Also, the copper washers should be replace as well, but make sure you get the proper annealed items.

Or just anneal your own washers. Heat 'till glowing red then let them cool.

I did this, I am not having any leakage from the nuts.