Crossflow rocker cover

[andy couchman]

Just had the engine rebuilt and it works!

However, like before (we now have an ali head), am having to run a double rocker gasket as the end of the roller rockers just touches the ali. Anyone else had this and what's the cure? I'm thinking of making a specially big gasket but don't know what from? My experience has been with brown paper and guess I'd need quite a few layers...

Andy

[gulf 1]

Isn't the standard gasket made from cork,is it possible to source some thicker cork.

[andy couchman]

You're right Gulf1 but I use Burton's (thick) paper gaskets as the cork ones seem to just compress then leak. Looking for thick gasket material. Does it exist?

 

[Roger King]

The solution is to machine a small relief inside the rocker cover, effectively a groove running the length of the inside to provide extra clearance. Some engines hit and some don't, depending on block height, head height, cam profile, etc.

Once you've done this you don't need to worry about gasket thickness.

[Jim 123]

Andy if you can upload a photo of the touch condition it may assist.  For a thicker gasket have you looked at sourcing silicon rubber sheet ( to cut to profile) and bed this in Geocel Automotive Sealant on the upper and lower surfaces? 

[andy couchman]

Thanks all. The marks on the rocker cover are tiny but at least I know where to machine Roger! Silicon's a good idea too - my Triumph Vitesse uses a silicon gasket there and the ali rocker cover is pretty oil tight. 

Thanks again all.

Andy