Gasket leaking after 5 months? (car related)

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

I had a leak on the rocker cover on my 1988 VW Scirocco. I replaced that one (with gasket sealant too), did the sump gasket and the oil filter gasket back in July this year.
I lifted the bonnet yesterday to check things over and the rocker cover is leaking again?!
How can this be Question

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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

My guess would be that you over tightened some of the retaining bolts on the rocker cover. Tends to be a thick and soft gasket and would probably distort rather easily.

Wouldn't bother with gasket goo unless specified by VW.

All the best

Keith
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Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

What was the gasket made from?
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killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Bikeless · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

I had the same problem when i replaced the head on one of my old cars,i put about 3 or 4 rocker cover gaskets on it,it would leak then i would torque it down some more then it would split.I ended up buying an OE gasket for it and it was fine.

the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

So you didn't fit a rocker cover gasket, and you wonder why the rocker cover is leaking.

Try fitting a rocker cover gasket. They aren't expensive. Be careful when removing the old goo to not get anything in the valve gear.

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Eh?
I did fit it, and the little half moon it needs. Was a good job.
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the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

UnknownStuntm... · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Karma :

Veedub tips - don't use gasket goo unless you've got a "rusted to fuck" rocker cover. And if you have, change the rocker cover. And torque the bolts, don't guess. And do them up in the right order too. And smear the gasket with oil first. And chew before you swallow. And don't look at me in that tone of voice.

HTH Thumbs Up

mistergixer · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Karma :

If it's any consolation, i had the rocker cover gasket fail on several of my 'Roccos. However, i didn't get a repeat failure in such a short space of time as yours.
Can only repeat what others have said - get a new VAG gasket, make sure the surfaces are clean (also check them with a straight edge and inspect for any cracks), re-torque to the correct settings in the correct order and hope for the best.
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killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Thanks for the info guys, i think ill redo the job and see how it goes, annoying though as the first time it looked pretty good.
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the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :