Rocker cover gaskets

[savage1987]

A mechanic recently mentioned to me that my driver's side rocker cover gasket needs replacing. I figure if they're not too expensive I'll do both at once . . . are they expensive? Could I fit them myself? (I've never taken the covers off before, so I don't know what's involved there . . .)

A couple of mates who own a VP and a VR also have this problem, so there's quite a saving if we could do the job ourselves . . .

Also, mine's a S1 VN V6 and theirs are the S2 (obviously) . . . did the gaskets change? I can't imagine they would have . . .

Any info appreciated.
Cheers
Sam

[Goodloox_Nogutz]

Rocker cover gasket's are cheap as, just go to your local supercheap or autopro.
putting them in is extremely easy, just a couple off bolts to undo.

[savage1987]

Do I need to drain the oil at all? Or can you take the covers off without losing any?

[defa]

all the oil will be a the bottom of you motor so you don't have to drain any oil. it would near on be one of the easiest job you will even have to do..

[fitzy2005]

no u dont need to drain oil, just take the 6 bolts i think off and replace gasket, do both not just one

[savage1987]

Do torque settings matter? I don't own a torque wrench

[YMY-88U]

while were on the point of rocker covers, my passenger side cover has sort of blown out at the sides near the headers... now i know i definently have to replace the one side but does anyone know what could have done this?!?! i will take some photos of this arvo when i get home from school...

[immortality]

you can do 'em yourself. you don't need a torque wrench. don't over tighten then as all you'll you is sqwash the new gasket out from between the head and rocker cover and ruin it

[savage1987]

Cheers immortality, that was exactly the answer I was hoping for

[Cogez]

I replaced my own rocker cover gaskets too, but apparently I ****ed it, coz a few months later I had a mondo oil leak, and failed my roadworthy check because of it

[pow3rslave]

dunno about the vn but on my vp the rear bolt on the drivers side took me ages cos of the brake booster getting in the way.

overall it's not a hard job though probably take you about ~30 mins but 10 mins of it will be on that bolt i mentioned

[MUNTED6]

its pretty simple but make sure u scrape the melted rubber gasket thats stuck on the edges of the rocker cover n clean ur cover u mite have truoble with the drivers side gasket cos of the bolt holding the power steering pump. also just hand tight it wen u bolt it all on and wen u bolt it up do it like ur bolting up a wheel meaning opisite ways

[savage1987]

Mine has an oil leak too, Cogez, just a few months later, just like yours. Dammit. I've high pressured my engine bay so it's all clean so I'm going to work out where the hell it's coming from (dripping on my headers = burning smell) and fix the damn thing properly.

[crazyspoon05]

its pretty simple but make sure u scrape the melted rubber gasket thats stuck on the edges of the rocker cover n clean ur cover u mite have truoble with the drivers side gasket cos of the bolt holding the power steering pump. also just hand tight it wen u bolt it all on and wen u bolt it up do it like ur bolting up a wheel meaning opisite ways

Yeh, it's a real pain on the drivers side, passenger side was easy as but drivers was a prick of a job because of the power steering pump bolt

[defa]

i am not 100 % sure how good new gaskets are. i bought some off ebay and they were supose to be for a buick. but they were a lot thinnner than the old ones. i put pollished covers on so i thought i should replace the gaskets too. they leaked right from the word go, even with silicone on them. so i put the old gaskets back on, as they were nice and big and soft..
but maybe i was sold the wrong gaksets..
i just thought it would be something for people to look out for..

[pow3rslave]

i bought a set when i painted my rocker covers, i can't remember the brand but i got em at autobarn and the pack has orange and blue writing, they seem pretty good and thick, but i didn't end up needing them

[Emackulation]

Yeah, cheap to replace, just make sure u clean the surfaces before putting the new ones on, also do not over tighten them...