Rejuvenating an ageing rocker
Q The rocker cover of my Ford Anglia leaks badly. How can I fix this without using ugly RTV silicone sealer?
Pete Collins, Treorchy
Matt T says
A Pressed steel rocker covers are often distorted by overtightening. Remove the cover and examine the area around the bolt holes. If the steel is bent around the holes, place the cover on the back of a vice and use a hammer and a makeshift dolly to make the mating surface flat again. In the photo, we’re using a bolster chisel with the sharp edge ground into a smooth, rounded shape. You could use a small block of metal instead – anything flat that will fit the flange without damaging it. It doesn’t matter that the metal has been stretched downwards; the flange is flattened by the combined action of the dolly and the solid, flat vice.
When you’re done, place the cover (minus the gasket) on the engine and check it sits straight, without undue rocking. If it rocks, look for remaining low spots and rectify them. If the whole cover’s distorted, consider replacing it – you can straighten it, but it’s a mini project rather than a fiveminute job. Rocker cover gaskets are made of rubber, cork or card. Rubber usually seals without issues.
Cork and card can sometimes ooze oil, which wicks through the material itself.
Coat a new gasket generously and completely (edges too) with Wellseal, a resinous, non-setting gasket sealer. Hang it up and allow the resin to penetrate the material. Give a second coat if most of the first is absorbed. This should ensure a decent seal.