Rocker Cover questions

Hi there, a few queries as ever

1st question…how easily should this come off?  All unscrewed, cambelt cover off and and it does not pull off by hand?  Get a screwdriver out and prise it off you reckon?  
2nd question…gaskets…I can only find cork ones available!  Anyone know where I can get the rubber one and new bolt set from…and in stock?  Scratching my head!
3rd question (and now it gets really thick!!)…I'm refurbing the cover.  Is it ok leaving this off the engine as I'm a little concerned of damp getting in there.  Or am I worrying for nothing as usual?

Thanks in advance

The only rubber gaskets I can find are these http://techtonicstunin…duct_info&products_id=555 and shipping is more than the item!!!
So the cork ones…just read somewhere to soak them in petroleum jelly first?  Is this right?

If you're struggling to remove  the cambox, it'll be effectively glued down with sealant (blue) as they tend to leak if fitted without…  A screwdriver under a corner, or a tap with a mallet will help.

I'm under the impression that the rubber ones are mk3 golf ones. You need to replace the studs with ones to suit the gasket at the same time. All available from the main dealer.

It'll be fine with the cambox off for a few days. If you're paranoid, tape a plastic bag over the top.

I've never heard about the petroleum jelly thing on new gaskets - I've always just lashed sealant over both faces.

Nice one!!  It was just on some other site I read, apparently to stop the cork shrinking.

Me and my dad did the Mk3 gasket conversion on mine in the summer. Simple job, kit comes with the longer studs and one piece gasket. It's stopped the dreaded oil leak. Got it from main VW dealer, think it was about £25.

Cheers

Anna

Thanks Anna.  Already now ordered a cork one, but the next time I think I'll do the conversion.  Do you know what block the Mk3 ones originally for?

Found this info on www.veedubmachine.co.uk. Their gasket is £5.09 +VAT!!

Steel reinforced rubber Rocker cover gasket
VAG Equivalent part numbers
026198025C
026198025B
fits 8 valve versions of
Golf MK2 1986 - 1992 1.8 GTI/Driver/CL etc;
Golf MK3 1.8 1992 - 1994;
Golf Cabriolet 1.8 1984 - 1993;
Golf Variant 1.8 1986 - 1998;
Jetta 1.8 1986 - 1992;
Passat 1.8 1985 - 1993;
Transporter 1.8 1991 - 1994;
Vento 1.8 1992 - 1994.
All prices are plus VAT where applicable.

Looks good to me that Anna!!    Just need to get my car running again first

Anna (or if anybody else can help)…how the 'eck did you get the old studs out?  And before I get to it…the new ones in tight enough too?  Now fitting the rubber one and got this far…n stuck!!!lol

Hi

We carefully used a pair of grips to get the old studs out, with a bit of WD40 carefully applied on them if necessary, then screwed them in by hand and gently tightened up again with the grips.

Hope this helps

Anna

I've tried that…but it is freezing and dark so I may not be trying hard enough  Take 2!!  Thanks Anna

No probs, give em a bit of soak in the WD and wait a bit, then give it another try.
We had a couple that were a pain in the arse!

I found a whack with a hammer sorts it!  Although the change doesn't seem to have sorted the leak.  Thinking it could be from elsewhere now

Methinks the proper way to remove studs is to double-nut them, lock the 2 nuts together with two spanners/wrenches and then simply unscrew them using the bottom nut…easy!

To replace the studs - use the same double-nutted approach and screw in with the top nut….remove the nuts when you're done.

Cheers

Genius!!!!

Right…just to double check a few things as my previous attempts have obviously been flawed!!ha

1.  With the rubber gasket and new studs do I still need to torque the bolts?  The studs have a large area with no thread so I'm assuming I can just tights and this area will prevent any over tightening.

2.  Sealant?  I've noticed on my previous attempt, the areas with the most leaks seem to be the areas with the most sealant.  Do I need sealant with a rubber gasket?  Or no sealant…or just seal the 4 corners where the cam bits on the gasket are and it changes direction?

3. If I am to use sealant, how much and what's easiest…direct to the gasket or on to the head?

Thanks in advance

Hope you get a Haynes manual for Christmas   yes they do need torque. 7lbf ft or 10Nm. I've never used sealant on a rocker cover gasket.

Yeah don't use sealant. The key to getting a good seal is to NOT tighten them up, ie just nip them with the very low torque specified. The torque value is enough to stop them coming undone but not enough to distort the delicate gasket.

Reeto  Thanks for that!!!  Let's hope santa makes his deliveries tomorrow which include a torque wrench!!

Thanks Paul!