Rocker cover Gasket

I've spotted a split in the bottom RH corner of the rocker cover - it looks like someone has over tightened it. Its not really leaking much but it is a bit. Is there any trick to replacing it? ie. torque of the bolts? or is this just a head gasket replacement thing ?

Rocker cover gaskets are supposed to be torqued - I think it's something silly like 7lbs.  I usually nip them up untill I see the gasket just being squeezed a little - That's about 1/8th of a grunt.

cool thanks .

>That's about 1/8th of a grunt.

 

Just to update, i've changed the rocker cover gasket - very simple, all clean, and remaining clean around that area now . I also changed the plugs, which were in good condition for over year olds i'd have thought - not running rich or lean by the look of em. No real difference to performance though - i guess it was in pretty good shape before.

Will clean out the airflow meter and intake as per markone - see if i can help it breathe a fraction better !!

Don't that gaskets have a shim built into them which i assume would stop it being overtightened?
How much was the gasket?? VW one is ?2.15 & vat

Not sure if for the smaller engines its the same as the 1800 injected ones, but make sure when ordering from VW you get the later re-usable neoprene one with new head mounting studs, rather than the earlier cork type one.

I learnt the hard way  ops: - if anyone is after complete originality I have the genuine VW cork version with half moon seals etc brand new in its box going spare!!!

Cheers,

Chris

I got the cork one from GSF for about ?3 or less. It has steel bits in it to help against overtightening. I tightened as per crazyquiff's instructions!

Since then, no leaks at all . Hope it lasts !

Just looking at the haynes and in the process of redoing my gasket.

All valve cover bolts it says should be 7lb ft torque, but the upper outer timing belt cover it says 14lb ft, now this is ok but this hooks up on the top of the valve cover so do these two bolts at the one end have to be done up extra or what.

dont worry about pressure, start in middle and work your way outwards, just do em handtight (gentle like) clean it all up before you change gasket. 'nip it up' a bit after a few hundred miles but dont overtighten it first time round

Cheers Buddy will do, all I got to hope now is I can get the pegs in and all will be good. 8)