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[amba]

When I bought my current 3.2 Elite in January last year both cam gaskets were in need of replacing so this along with numerous other jobs these  were done.

Over the last few weeks I have noticed a slight traces of clean engine oil on the top of the metal sump directly below the alternator.Breathers were thoroughly cleaned about 6 weeks ago prior to an oil/filter change so that I am convinced isnt an issue.

I had a good look around things earlier today and have found traces of clean oil on the back of the o/s cover around the rear half moon and a clean cloth shows fresh oil from joint of head and cover,so am assuming that is the problem given all oil residue appears to be on the o/s of sump area.

Would I be wise just removing that cover/cleaning all thoroughly and refitting using the original 1 year old gasket and 0 rings or would the gaskets be really un-servicable and should I just buy new again and be totally safe,albeit £45 worse off 

[zirk]

GM claim their Cam Covers Seals are good for 100K, never really re used them personally, but I know a few who have on low milage ones.

Best bet if there low miles and age is to whip them off, give each one a good clean with Fairy Liquid and have a look, assuming there not squashed, cooked or split, and look good should be ok. 

[amba]

Cheers Chris.

That was my logic although didn,t want to pull things apart only to find they have flattened,as all previous ones I have changed have either been baked rigid or fell apart when removed.

Assume again same applies to the 0 rings ,just didn,t fancy finding Saturady afternoon car cannot be made road worthy until parts are available mid following week.

They have probably done 25k I imagine..fortunately the failure is the o/s

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have successfully re-used genuine cam cover gaskets which are 1-2 years old without issues.

[amba]

Thanks for further  advise Mark .

Will pull things apart then and hopefully get it fixed as my suspision is the half moon has moved out slightly so needs resealing .

[zirk]

Cheers Chris.

That was my logic although didn,t want to pull things apart only to find they have flattened,as all previous ones I have changed have either been baked rigid or fell apart when removed.

Assume again same applies to the 0 rings ,just didn,t fancy finding Saturady afternoon car cannot be made road worthy until parts are available mid following week.

They have probably done 25k I imagine..fortunately the failure is the o/s

Only just run in then, should be fine Ken, as said, if they were ones that I fitted and were in good nick I would use again, the few I have done have been on other cars where they've been squashed to f**k or cooked. 

[Kevin Wood]

Might be worth checking the cam cover bolts haven't come loose. I've had one or two of mine work loose before.

[chrisgixer]

Thoughts


Re torque to 8nm as said. Can't hurt.

All oil leaks end up on top of that sump first it seems so it may not just be the cam covers.

Ime it depends how much goo was used last time as to how easy they come off. Not uncommon for them to stick to the head as the covers come off. So steady as she goes.

[amba]

Yep will check torque first as wary about ripping original gasket.

Remember not putting excessive goo on the half moon as wary so if checking bolts doesnt reveal fault then will pull it apart as dont like oil leaks ,albeit only minor.

[chrisgixer]

Yep will check torque first as wary about ripping original gasket.

Remember not putting excessive goo on the half moon as wary so if checking bolts doesnt reveal fault then will pull it apart as dont like oil leaks ,albeit only minor.

This is an omega...? ....right...?

[amba]

Sure is  ,but this 1 has been a good,n so far 

[Nick W]

They're like old British motorbikes; if it isn't leaking oil then it's completely empty. Which is ridiculous considering that it's a modern engine.

[amba]

Have a grand-daughter like that Nick ...she doesnt leak oil though 

[Webby the Bear]

I did a zafira rocker gasket at the garage this week. Got the thing off and it was the most brittle gasket I've ever held. Hard plastic. It then broke in several places when fiddling with it.

My point being is they should be malleable and not brittle at all. Any suspicion of that then I'd replace