Camshaft Cover removal / replacement

[Ian Cooke]

Gents

Some advice please for a relatively new and delighted S2 E type owner who has no mechanical background and therefore has much to learn but is enjoying every minute!

I want to remove my camshaft covers to get them powder coated and before doing so just wanted to check that there is nothing unusual I should be aware of and whether the securing nuts need tightening to a specific torque when replacing.

Thanks for your help.

Ian

[abowie]

Remove all the nuts. Tap the cover firmly with a plastic mallet; it will probably be stuck down on the gasket.
When replacing it scrupulously clean both gasket surfaces. I use spray Hylomar on both sides of the gasket. I don't use sealant on the o ring seal sections. The copper washers act to seal the holes from oil leaks. Ideally use new ones. Overtightening the nuts can crack the cover. I start at 4ft/lb and go up to 7 ft/lb if it leaks.
While you have the covers off take the opportunity to check the valve clearances. This is easy to do, see the manual for details.

[Ian Cooke]

Thanks Andrew that's very helpful.

[christopher storey]

I suggest you don't use a torque wrench . I always use a short reach 7/16AF spanner on these nuts, which gives you plenty of feel. It is very easy to distort the cam covers by overtightening, particularly the smooth faced ones