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[Omega Nige]

I've just had my Omega MOT'd which it passed with a small oil leak from the rear of the engine. Asked the guy and he said it was from the rocker covers which warp with the heat from my 3.2 and then leak. Is there any metal ones available to convert from plastic or is it new gaskets and some kind of goo?

Thanks 

[Nick W]

metal ones are available, but they don't address the usual cause of the problem: the gaskets are very narrow, the retaining bolts are too far from the gaskets, the breathers block and the next way out for the pressure is through the camcover gaskets(which are much easier to change than the crank or cam oil seals).


You probably don't need new covers, but correctly fitted high-quality gaskets

[Doctor Gollum]

Metal ones can cause their own problems as the Vectra engines they were fitted to have a very different breather arrangement.

Plastic ones can warp, but that's due to overtightening rather than heat. Easily checked with a straight edge when you swap the gaskets

New gaskets and sealant as per the guide is the most reliable solution. And the 3.2 was widely used in other GM vehicles with plastic covers, so new should be reasonably available.

If it's a minor weep, then cleaning the breathers would be a good starting point, and something that should be done should you change the covers/seals

[Omega Nige]

Thanks, looks like I need to look at the breathers first 

[JamesV6CDX]

Where abouts in Oxfordshire are you? If it works logistically, I'll do your cam covers and breathers free of charge. We can do the cam belt kit / water pump whilst we're in there, if it's anywhere near due.