Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Simon.rose1 on 14 April 2013, 11:13:15

Title: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Simon.rose1 on 14 April 2013, 11:13:15
Well towed the caravan for the first time yesterday towed like a dream till I got out at dealers and could smell burning oil lifted the bonnet and drivers side cam cover started to leak small amount of oil from the side nearest the wing at the rear not major yet is it 1.worth trying to nip up the rear bolt as a temp fix and 2. Is it a big job for someone who knows how to do it and 3. Is there any one in the mids area that could do it for me as I'm not that technical I'm in northants for a long weekend with the van next week if that's any help thanks
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: TheBoy on 14 April 2013, 11:24:00
No, not worth tightening the bolts.  Its only just beyond fingertight anyway.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Simon.rose1 on 14 April 2013, 11:36:50
So just take it steady towing next week and is there anyone on here who could change it for me
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: TheBoy on 14 April 2013, 11:50:29
Given your home location, try Darth Loo-knee in Stoke
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: omega3000 on 14 April 2013, 13:00:25
Well towed the caravan for the first time yesterday towed like a dream till I got out at dealers and could smell burning oil lifted the bonnet and drivers side cam cover started to leak small amount of oil from the side nearest the wing at the rear not major yet is it 1.worth trying to nip up the rear bolt as a temp fix and 2. Is it a big job for someone who knows how to do it and 3. Is there any one in the mids area that could do it for me as I'm not that technical I'm in northants for a long weekend with the van next week if that's any help thanks

I would have done it but me back wont let me  >:(
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: elitedave on 14 April 2013, 15:37:01
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right



Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: CaptainZok on 14 April 2013, 16:58:23
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbdb on 14 April 2013, 17:03:49
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2013, 17:04:43
At least drivers side is the easier one.

Do the breathers at the same time ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2013, 17:05:24
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm

Then you need to buy a smaller one  ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: CaptainZok on 14 April 2013, 17:06:04
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm
So buy one that will do the job then.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Webby the Bear on 14 April 2013, 17:06:52
when I get paid i'm getting a small one for these sorts of jobs as mine too only goes down to 40nm...Halfords one right?.

machine mart for the new one  :y
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbdb on 14 April 2013, 17:17:23
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm
So buy one that will do the job then.
The correct torque for the camshaft cover bolts is 8Nm.  That's VERY low, does your wrench do that?  Not many do.  When you're getting that low it may be better to do it by feel, a small turn on a standard torque wrench could easily go over 8Nm. 
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2013, 17:20:29
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm
So buy one that will do the job then.
The correct torque for the camshaft cover bolts is 8Nm.  That's VERY low, does your wrench do that?  Not many do.  When you're getting that low it may be better to do it by feel, a small turn on a standard torque wrench could easily go over 8Nm.

As said you need to get a low range one.  By feel run the risk of distorting plastic cam covers as one or two on here have found out.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: CaptainZok on 14 April 2013, 17:21:04
it really aint that hard a job iv done 2 times

just take time that's all
have a look at the guide as long as you take your time and dont for get the vx black sealant its easy  and dont do the cam cover bolt up to tight as you really just nip em up i just give a ting tweak on small ratchet with tips of my fingers and that about right




Or you could do it properly and use a torque wrench.
My torque wrench only begins at 40Nm
So buy one that will do the job then.
The correct torque for the camshaft cover bolts is 8Nm.  That's VERY low, does your wrench do that?  Not many do.  When you're getting that low it may be better to do it by feel, a small turn on a standard torque wrench could easily go over 8Nm. 
Yes because I bought one that would go down that low especially to do the job.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbdb on 14 April 2013, 17:22:39
when I get paid i'm getting a small one for these sorts of jobs as mine too only goes down to 40nm...Halfords one right?.

machine mart for the new one  :y
Yes I see, I might get that, £35 :).  1/4" drive though.  Bit of a pain to need two torque wrenches (it only goes up to 25Nm).
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: hotel21 on 14 April 2013, 17:23:43
I have a specialist torque wrench that starts at 2nm, as I recall.  Its meant for guns/rifles etc where torque tolerances are more exact but it also covers the 8nm needed for the rockers....

So, yes.  They are out there.  :)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: elitedave on 14 April 2013, 17:32:58
ivgot one that gos down that far but i never bother

done so many 8valve vaxhalls and there about  8nm as well i can guess it

i just do it with a mini ratchet place thumb and first 2 finger tips on head of ratchet not handle and give a tiny tweak   
never over done one yet like that
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbdb on 14 April 2013, 17:34:22
Correction, Machine Mart do one for £24 or a similar one is on ebay for £16.49 delivered - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251257785487
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2013, 17:56:49
ivgot one that gos down that far but i never bother

done so many 8valve vaxhalls and there about  8nm as well i can guess it

i just do it with a mini ratchet place thumb and first 2 finger tips on head of ratchet not handle and give a tiny tweak   
never over done one yet like that

 :o :o :o :o :o They'll have you wearing your hair shirt with that kind of talk !!!!!!!!!!!!  ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2013, 18:07:14
Correction, Machine Mart do one for £24 or a similar one is on ebay for £16.49 delivered - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251257785487

That one will probably be inaccurate at bottom of range - better to buy a low range one say 2 - 25 Nm (as per Hotel21)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Webby the Bear on 14 April 2013, 18:20:52
theres one (I think machinemart) that's 7nm to 110nm. that's the one I was looking at
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2013, 18:52:57
theres one (I think machinemart) that's 7nm to 110nm. that's the one I was looking at

8Nm is still right at the end of quite a big range  :-\ :-\

Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: TheBoy on 14 April 2013, 21:20:53
I use Hellfrauds 6Nm-40Nm one. Even with suspect accuracy being at the end of a range, its still far more accurate than anyone attempting it by hand. No matter how large their penis is.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2013, 21:41:14
I use Hellfrauds 6Nm-40Nm one. Even with suspect accuracy being at the end of a range, its still far more accurate than anyone attempting it by hand. No matter how large their penis is.

Whilst I can't disagree that a torque wrench gives a constant accurate-ish reading, the brass ferrule in the cover is there to stop you from crushing the plastic rocker cover, so anyone with any kind of mechanical sympathy won't go too far wrong with the use of a bit of CDF   ::) ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: less on 15 April 2013, 12:49:34
I use Hellfrauds 6Nm-40Nm one. Even with suspect accuracy being at the end of a range, its still far more accurate than anyone attempting it by hand. No matter how large their penis is.

Whilst I can't disagree that a torque wrench gives a constant accurate-ish reading, the brass ferrule in the cover is there to stop you from crushing the plastic rocker cover, so anyone with any kind of mechanical sympathy won't go too far wrong with the use of a bit of CDF   ::) ::) ::) ::)

Haven't heard that technical term in a while  :)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 15 April 2013, 13:03:26
Do it once, do it right. Torque wrench is the way forward or simply risk stripping the aluminum threads in the cam cap, your choice, your car  :y .
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: allen25 on 15 April 2013, 14:26:14
Hi Simon,

I'm near Stourbridge. If it helps, I'll happily help you change the seal if there is nothing more local for you. I 've done my V6 successfully and have the torque wrench and the correct 'black goo'. Just an offer to help a fellow OOF member if necessary. Will need to be genuine Vx seal or seals whichever way you go.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 15 April 2013, 14:35:54
....
Haven't heard that technical term in a while  :)

I know there are some ex-matelots around  ;)  ;)  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 15 April 2013, 14:37:30
Do it once, do it right. Torque wrench is the way forward or simply risk stripping the aluminum threads in the cam cap, your choice, your car  :y .

That would be a bit tight if you manage to actually strip the thread in there  ::)  ::)  ::)  ::)

You need your UK spell checker .....  ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Simon.rose1 on 17 April 2013, 12:22:18
Hi Simon,

I'm near Stourbridge. If it helps, I'll happily help you change the seal if there is nothing more local for you. I 've done my V6 successfully and have the torque wrench and the correct 'black goo'. Just an offer to help a fellow OOF member if necessary. Will need to be genuine Vx seal or seals whichever way you go.
Thanks Allen that's what I was after as my local garage not sure about it would have to be a weekend and what would I need to get don't mind having a go and getting my hands dirty just lacking in confidence about breaking something
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: allen25 on 17 April 2013, 19:08:40
Ok Simon,

Drop an email to me, my email address is attached to my profile. We can discuss what you need and how it gets here plus a convenient date. I'll steer you through and you can do as much of the job as you feel comfortable with).
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets
Post by: Simon.rose1 on 17 April 2013, 22:29:53
Email sent