Rubber or cork rocker cover gasket?

[unknownmale]

I replaced my cork one with a rubber one last year (also having to changed the studs)

I've had nothing but trouble with it ever since. I've bought a replacement incase I was just over tightening it although I really don't think I was. Will give it a good checkover this weekend.

Just wondered what peoples opinions were on these?

[bengould]

I have never had an issue with either.
I had a cork one originally, never had any issues with it.
Only changed it to a rubber one when I fitted my cam. Figured I'd upgrade it while the cover was off.

You can't really over tighten the rubber gasket because of the shoulders on the studs and the metal ring in the gasket.

Ben.

[steve bain]

maybe your rocker cover is damaged? i have never had a problem with either.

[unknownmale]

Hmm, i'll get a straight edge on it when it's off and see if it's warped at all

[unknownmale]

Just got the new one in the post. It has the standard 8 studs I replaced last time which I was just going to throw out, but just noticed there are 4 longer ones?

Didn't get these in the last kit. Any ideas?

gasket.jpg

[steve bain]

i think the longer studs are for use with the rubber gasket. but don't hold me to that!

[unknownmale]

The Black studs are used to replace the original as they don't have have a big sleeve like the original, meaning the gasket can sit flush. There are 8 studs, So no idea what the 4 larger ones are for?

[james butler]

i used cap head bolts on mine to make sure the cover was down as i wasn't convinced the nuts were reaching the missing thread on the stud before the cover was fully down.
i haven't had any leaks since.

[mark1gls]

The kit comes from a Mk3 golf so I guess the longer bolts are to used on a mk3, just use the 8 shorter ones and either throw the others away or keep in your tool box as spare studs for something else

[PeteGLi]

Are you still using the spacer bars along the back and front of the rocker cover. And making sure that the cambelt top cover is properly seated. If so, you should not have any problems like James suggests.

[unknownmale]

Yeah, I replaced the studs the first time I switched from Cork to Rubber, so no need to do that this time. Just wondered about those longer bolts.

Yeah still using them...Figured they also stop the cover from warping as it would distribute the load better

[StormRunner]

For those who do still use cork gaskets, here's a tip I've used for many years (from my earlier air-cooled VW days):

Thoroughly grease the cork gasket, half-moon, and worm with wheel bearing grease before you put them on.
Run another film of grease around the sealing surfaces of the valve cover for good measure.
Contrary to what one might think, the grease does not run when it gets hot.
Rather, it infuses the gasket and makes it somewhat tacky, producing a much better seal.
Lasts a lot longer too, and more importantly: NO LEAKS.

In fact, the next time you remove the cover you will notice that everything is "stuck" together quite nicely (but not to the point that you need a prybar).
Also very easy to clean up, and if any bits of grease get loose, you don't have to worry about them clogging things up like RTV.

Make sure to use wheel bearing grease. I can't endorse any other kind.

[marcus]

When you say 'wheel bearing grease' is that some specific type? I ask because i've always used lithium grease for wheel bearings because that's what the manuals usually say.

[StormRunner]

When you say 'wheel bearing grease' is that some specific type? I ask because i've always used lithium grease for wheel bearings because that's what the manuals usually say.

Virtually all wheel bearing grease is lithium complex base, but not necessarily all lithium-base grease is wheel bearing grease, if that makes sense.
Wheel bearing grease will typically say "extreme pressure" and "high temperature" and contains additives.
With that said, if the kind you have was suitable for wheel bearings then it certainly ought to be good enough to grease a gasket with.

Personally I buy it in the 1 pound tubs because it's typically thicker than what you get in grease gun cartridges.
You want to work it all into the gaskets with your fingers, even along the edges, leaving no dry spots. Disposable gloves are a plus.

[marcus]

Interesting, I've only ever bought it in metal tubs eg Carlube LM2 Multipurpose, didn't realise it came in cartridges. Maybe LM2 not up to the job (of wheel bearings) if it's multipurpose? Says high melting point and suitable for wheel bearings though...