Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 10:51:12

Title: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 10:51:12
Hi All,

I'm new to the forum, recently purchasing my first Omega............... Don't know why i didn't get one sooner !!! :D The guy i bought it off told me he had recently replaced the rocker cover gaskets but it still seems to leak slightly, leaving a small deposit of oil on the floor.

My question to you fantastic people is - Which gasket do i need & what is the sealant that i need called ???

My car is 2001 Omega 2.6 MV6 Irmscher.

Thanks for your help.


Dave
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tunnie on 13 March 2014, 10:53:49
Our standard at the moment is to recommend genuine Vx only, with the right sealant. Our guide has all the parts listed.

We have a much cheaper one on test with a few members, but we are not sure if it's reliable.

Given it's not a fun job on V6, it's a job you want to do once!
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Andy B on 13 March 2014, 10:54:12
Welcome to the forum  :y

This should help. http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90542.0 Although OE gaskets aren't cheap, it's cheaper in the long rum ........ you only do them once.  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: zirk on 13 March 2014, 10:54:32
GM Gaskets only, GM Black Sealant, and dont over tight (Over Torque) the Cover bolts. ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 13 March 2014, 11:14:50
But your first job should be to clean the breathers in the mean time as that may well significantly reduce the leak
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: sjr47 on 13 March 2014, 11:40:31
Yes clean the breathers first should go hand in hand with replacing gaskets then every 12 months or so .Are you sure its the rocker cover gaskets where about is the leak collecting  ? Omega V6s have more than one place oil can leak from belive me.Check  for oil in the spark plug wells also if its pooling on floor from RCGs probably from half moon cutouts not sealed correctly .
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 12:39:23
sjr47 - i'm not exactly sure it is the rocker cover gaskets !! I bought the car from a Romanian guy and he was telling me that he had recently replaced them, oil was pouring out on him.

It looks like they have been replaced recently as i can see they are red in colour, probably he's not donr the job properly. Where else can the engine leak from btw ????


Dave
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Nick W on 13 March 2014, 12:47:41
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 12:52:35
ok i see. I really don't have a clue to be honest as i am a new Omega owner. Probably the red i can see is as you say some sort of sealant. I will have to have a good look at the weekend. I just hope it's the rocker cover gasket and not something else ?!?!?!?!?  :-[
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Steve B on 13 March 2014, 13:05:06
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Your not gonna get away with saying that on here.  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 13 March 2014, 13:08:21
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.

There recommended simply becasue they are the only supplier of gasket which are proven to work every time reliably.

My personal experience is that I ahev tried no name, Elring, FAI and a few others and not one has matched the Vx (with the Elring and FAI ones not lasting long at all!)  :y

Any other option is a risk which the owner can choose to take and they might get lucky.  :y

Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Nick W on 13 March 2014, 13:11:18
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Your not gonna get away with saying that on here.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, front shocks or air in the tyres either.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: sjr47 on 13 March 2014, 13:21:18
Just one question who manufactures these OEM  gaskets for VX , should,nt imagine the make their own ? ??? ???
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: biggriffin on 13 March 2014, 13:29:15
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Your not gonna get away with saying that on here.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, front shocks or air in the tyres either.

The mans a wizard a charlatan a non believer, he should be burnt at the stake,for suggesting the use of non GM parts. :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Andy B on 13 March 2014, 13:45:23
....

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, .....

but if you have a Trade Club card & have access to a participating dealer, you'd be mad not to.  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 14:18:53
So guy's, where else could the oil leak be coming from if it's not the rocker cover gaskets ????????????? Help !!!!!  :-\
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tigers_gonads on 13 March 2014, 14:38:20
Have you removed one of the coil packs and had a look in the plug wells ?
Normally, if the gasket is knackered, you will find oil in one of more of the plug wells  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 15:13:17
Ok tigers I will give it a whirl saturday. If not whats the worst case scenario ?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: sjr47 on 13 March 2014, 15:35:07
The Rocker cover gasket is probably your worst case scenario(or rear crankshaft oil seal if its from bellhousing area) others oil pump/oil pressure switch at front of engine sump gasket /sump drain plug /oil feed or return pipes to oil cooler near oil filter or simply oil filter. Dont get to alarmed though plenty of help & info on here and all quite doable  :y :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 15:43:21
Yikes !! Ok thanks for the advice fella
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tigers_gonads on 13 March 2014, 16:00:54
You can do the full job in a morning bud  :)

I did all mine 2 weeks ago if you need the part numbers of there is a maintenance guide on here if needed  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tunnie on 13 March 2014, 16:04:04
....

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, .....

but if you have a Trade Club card & have access to a participating dealer, you'd be mad not to.  ;)

Indeed, the reason we use them is the low cost.  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Nick W on 13 March 2014, 16:54:49
....

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, .....

but if you have a Trade Club card & have access to a participating dealer, you'd be mad not to.  ;)

I've both of those, but it still isn't worth it to me. The prices often quoted here are no different to, or more expensive than decent branded stuff from local factors. I can buy NGK plugs for about £1.90 each, and every time I've used anything else over the last 25 years I've regretted it. The oil is a good price, but I don't want to buy 3 years worth at a time just to have VX branded containers. That would still be the case if I couldn't get either 10w40 or 5w30 out of the drum at work. Plus the 3 local TC dealers are a gallon of petrol and an hour's round trip away. Which simply isn't worth the hassle for ordinary service parts.

Now if you'd mentioned things like Elite rear shocks, then I'm with you, I'd be mad not to use TC.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Andy B on 13 March 2014, 17:34:25
....
Plus the 3 local TC dealers are a gallon of petrol and an hour's round trip away.  ....

and that's now the rub. The dealer 1/2 mile away from me used to do TC but have now stopped doing so. Another dealer within the group still does TC but like yours, is now miles away.  :(
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 13 March 2014, 18:55:13
Yikes !! Ok thanks for the advice fella
where in staffordshire are you dave?.
anywhere near burton on trent. :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 13 March 2014, 20:46:39
Hi Red Baron, i'm in stoke on trent. About 40 mins away from you  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 13 March 2014, 21:18:56
Daz( if he stiil does omega work) would maybe nearer to you or elite pete if they have time.
if you need a pair of eyes you can always come over here.  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 11:26:22
Might take you up on that squire  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 11:30:30
Might take you up on that squire  ;)
welcome to. what year is it?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 11:34:57
2002. only had it last Saturday. I e-mailed the guy i bought it off last night. He's Romanian so was hard to understand but when i took the car for a test drive last week i'm sure he mentioned the rocker gaskets had been done about a month ago. He replied this morning and confirmed he did so it's got to be the rocker gaskets, probably not done correctly !!
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 11:46:21
2002. only had it last Saturday. I e-mailed the guy i bought it off last night. He's Romanian so was hard to understand but when i took the car for a test drive last week i'm sure he mentioned the rocker gaskets had been done about a month ago. He replied this morning and confirmed he did so it's got to be the rocker gaskets, probably not done correctly !!
quite possibly, bet its from the half moons. prob didnt put any sealant in the corners.  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 11:53:00
Would it be possible to salvage the gaskets, you know, remove the rocker covers and re-fit the gaskets correctly with sealant with them only being done a month ago or do they have ti be renewed once the covers are removed?

Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 11:59:39
should be able to re-use as long as they are not mangled, i do have a good set here, if i can find them. lol.
 ;D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 12:08:31
What sealant are you supposed to use then. I have a tube of normal black DIY sealant in my garage, will that suffice ??????  :-\
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 12:12:05
What sealant are you supposed to use then. I have a tube of normal black DIY sealant in my garage, will that suffice ??????  :-\
not really, need the black vauxhall goo.  :y
the stuff you have will not be oil tollerant.  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 12:14:47
ok. Where would i get it from ?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tigers_gonads on 14 March 2014, 12:19:41
A tube of this
Black sealant for cam covers              # 90485251

Less then a fiver from all Vauxhall parts departments  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 12:19:58
vauxhall dealer tbh. part no...90485251
 :y


bugger, you beat me to it tigers.  :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 12:52:32
Right, just phoned my local Vx dealer who has the said goo in stock. So tomorrow i will try to salvage the gaskets that are in place and let you know how it goes  :-\

And thanks for your offer of help, most appreciated mukka  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 12:54:58
Right, just phoned my local Vx dealer who has the said goo in stock. So tomorrow i will try to salvage the gaskets that are in place and let you know how it goes  :-\

And thanks for your offer of help, most appreciated mukka  :y
do have a read of the how to though first, tricky job but sure you will be ok.
give us a shout if you hit any problems.
jon.  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 13:04:01
To be honest Jon it's all i have read up on all week  :o But yes i'll get stuck in tomorrow and if i hit a brick wall i'll let you know :y


Dave
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tigers_gonads on 14 March 2014, 13:21:52
As Jon says any problems just post on here  :y
I'm sure somebody will be able to take the pish  have a good laugh  help you out   ;D ;D ;D

Just in case you need them

You may need two of these .......   2.6/3.2 Cam cover seals      # 90511541

Have fun  :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Andy B on 14 March 2014, 13:46:31
To be honest Jon it's all i have read up on all week  :o But yes i'll get stuck in tomorrow and if i hit a brick wall i'll let you know :y


Dave

when you do the passenger side gasket, tie the loom up out of the way, tie it to the bonnet strut  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: CaptainZok on 14 March 2014, 14:09:29
And yes 8Nm is important.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 14 March 2014, 16:34:03
Got home from work and had a feel around the rocker covers and it'quiet damp with oil. I also noticed that whoever did the job previously has fitted one incorrect bolt on one of the rocker covers, it has an alan key head !! Is it possible to buy replacement rocker cover bolts, the torx ones ? :'(
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tigers_gonads on 14 March 2014, 18:07:00
Send a pm to Loo knee (daz)
He will have plenty lying around and is in Stoke  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: minifreek on 14 March 2014, 18:19:00
Im doing this lovely job tomorrow on my 2.5, I replaced all the rocker cover bolts with stainless steel allan headed bolts I got off an internet auction site for around a fiver I think ....?

I shall go to my local Vx dealers tomorrow and buy meself some gasket goo just so the jobs done belt and braces :)

Mine is leaking from the nearside rocker cover, I do get some funny looks when the engine is hot and the oil is dripping onto the exhaust and smoke is coming from under the bonnet LOL
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 March 2014, 19:44:31
Got home from work and had a feel around the rocker covers and it'quiet damp with oil. I also noticed that whoever did the job previously has fitted one incorrect bolt on one of the rocker covers, it has an alan key head !! Is it possible to buy replacement rocker cover bolts, the torx ones ? :'(
if they are the same as 2.5 & 3.0l i should have a bucket load here.  :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: omega3000 on 16 March 2014, 17:03:01
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Your not gonna get away with saying that on here.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, front shocks or air in the tyres either.

The mans a wizard a charlatan a non believer, he should be burnt at the stake,for suggesting the use of non GM parts. :D

 :D :D :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 16 March 2014, 18:14:45
You can't see the gaskets once they've been fitted. The red stuff you can see will be sealant of some sort, and isn't necessary if the job is done correctly. A tiny smear in the corners is all that's needed; any more is a bodge which won't last long. I'm not convinced about the VX only gaskets, but  do agree about the following to the letter the procedure given in the guide.
Your not gonna get away with saying that on here.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Maybe not, but I don't use VX oil, plugs, filters, front shocks or air in the tyres either.

The mans a wizard a charlatan a non believer, he should be burnt at the stake,for suggesting the use of non GM parts. :D

 :D :D :D

Heresy!  :o ;D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 17 March 2014, 02:50:37
I fitted an elring one with no sealer use on my 2.2 ... nothing leaking yet, also changed those little 'o' rings at the same time. It all came as part of the head set! I know it's a different engine but as I said I have had no problems with leaks "yet"
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: biggriffin on 17 March 2014, 03:26:00
I fitted an elring one with no sealer use on my 2.2 ... nothing leaking yet, also changed those little 'o' rings at the same time. It all came as part of the head set! I know it's a different engine but as I said I have had no problems with leaks "yet"

you willl be burned at the stake,and cast out,for using non GM gaskets,and some will dance on your grave.... ;D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: omega3000 on 17 March 2014, 11:42:09
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 17 March 2014, 14:26:29
Well, i took the plenum off yesterday to have a good look around as i have ordered replacement gaskest online so i aint going to take the rocker covers off until this weekend once my gaskets arrive.

to be honest i'm not looking forward to doing the job, it looks very daunting !!  :-X
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Andy B on 17 March 2014, 14:43:38
.....

to be honest i'm not looking forward to doing the job, it looks very daunting !!  :-X

It's not difficult, just a bit fiddly though, especially the passenger side due to access.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 17 March 2014, 14:47:36
I fitted an elring one with no sealer use on my 2.2 ... nothing leaking yet, also changed those little 'o' rings at the same time. It all came as part of the head set! I know it's a different engine but as I said I have had no problems with leaks "yet"

you willl be burned at the stake,and cast out,for using non GM gaskets,and some will dance on your grave.... ;D

 :D
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 17 March 2014, 20:10:03
The question people need to ask is.

1) Should we advise a part which is known to work

or

2) Should we advise to use a part which we have seen failures on and for which there is not yet a known supplier that works as well as the genuine item reliably.

As stated, you can take a chance on alternatives, but you wont see me recommending them as there very hit and miss
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 17 March 2014, 20:47:00
The question people need to ask is.

1) Should we advise a part which is known to work

or

2) Should we advise to use a part which we have seen failures on and for which there is not yet a known supplier that works as well as the genuine item reliably.

As stated, you can take a chance on alternatives, but you wont see me recommending them as there very hit and miss
Yes.
i would only use gen tbh.  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tunnie on 17 March 2014, 21:25:56
The question people need to ask is.

1) Should we advise a part which is known to work

or

2) Should we advise to use a part which we have seen failures on and for which there is not yet a known supplier that works as well as the genuine item reliably.

As stated, you can take a chance on alternatives, but you wont see me recommending them as there very hit and miss

Sadly I found stating similar logic here, falls on deaf ears to some. Who think we suggest geniune just for the fun/cost/snob factor

 :(
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 17 March 2014, 21:33:46
I would have loved to have fitted gen parts to my mig when I did the head gasket and top end rebuild ... But VX quoted a price that was far too expensive to warrant repair! Turns out that allot of the gaskets removed bore the same markings as the Elring ones, leading me to believe that maybe they are the gaskets that are fitted to the engines when built?? I may be wildly inaccurate though (usually turns out to be the case lol)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 19 March 2014, 00:52:47
The question people need to ask is.

1) Should we advise a part which is known to work

or

2) Should we advise to use a part which we have seen failures on and for which there is not yet a known supplier that works as well as the genuine item reliably.

As stated, you can take a chance on alternatives, but you wont see me recommending them as there very hit and miss

Sadly I found stating similar logic here, falls on deaf ears to some. Who think we suggest geniune just for the fun/cost/snob factor

 :(

C'mon guys lighten up, I think you'll find by the most part there's a fair bit of tongue in cheek jesting going on here.  ::)  ;)  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: TheBoy on 19 March 2014, 09:46:21
The question people need to ask is.

1) Should we advise a part which is known to work

or

2) Should we advise to use a part which we have seen failures on and for which there is not yet a known supplier that works as well as the genuine item reliably.

As stated, you can take a chance on alternatives, but you wont see me recommending them as there very hit and miss

Sadly I found stating similar logic here, falls on deaf ears to some. Who think we suggest geniune just for the fun/cost/snob factor

 :(

C'mon guys lighten up, I think you'll find by the most part there's a fair bit of tongue in cheek jesting going on here.  ::)  ;)  :)
The problem is, esp on a new member's thread, it may not be clear to them what we mean.


In many cases, pattern parts are absolutely fine, and will give no issues. Oils (except Castrol!!), coolants, radiators etc etc.

In others pattern parts will work fine, but the GM ones are better (eg, air filters are noticeably better).

There are cases where the GM part is probably not much different to quality pattern ones, but the cost of the GM part on tradeclub is cheaper or about the same, so makes sense to use the genuine part. Plus my dealer delivers, which saves me the 40 mile round trip. Oil, plugs, filters, brake fluids, coolants etc all fall into this category.

Likewise, there are cases where the genuine part is so ridiculously expensive, we have found some pattern parts are "good enough" or as good, at a better price.

There are some areas where we've proven time and time again that we (as a group of enthusiasts who do an awful lot of our own work on our cars) have been unable to consistently find a pattern part that works suitably well - front brake pads for example.  V6 camcover gaskets fall into this area.  I'd love to be able to recommend a set of camcover gaskets that are cheaper, but we know that they are unlikely to last the warranty period, let alone the 7+yrs that the genuine ones last.


That's why we need to be clear on recommendations, and why, esp to newer members :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Bigron on 19 March 2014, 09:52:23
A worthwhile clarification, TB; thanks.
What's wrong with Castrol? Way back, it used to be a No.1 brand.

Ron.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: TheBoy on 19 March 2014, 10:01:31
A worthwhile clarification, TB; thanks.
What's wrong with Castrol? Way back, it used to be a No.1 brand.

Ron.
We have found, esp in the V6 engine, it seems to absorb quite a lot of moisture, leaving a decent amount of mayo in the top of the filler cap (other oils do this as well, if the car is used for a lot of short journeys, esp in winter, but the Castrol Magnatec ones seem to be far worse, even on longer trips). If you inspect the breathers, you will see that these start to block as well.

GM's own oil seems to be less prone to this (but will still do it to an extent on lots of short trips, but less than many other oils), thus a recommendation to use GM's oil in our cars, esp given the cost (on tradeclub) is about as cheap as anything else out there.


Castrol oils were never particularly good. But they did spend a lot on advertising ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Bigron on 19 March 2014, 10:06:23
Thanks TB. I agree that they certainly did have a strong market presence; my early motoring memories include a terrific lubrication/grease chart for my 1938 Morris 12, a big poster which adorned my garage wall! Clever marketing, as I saw it daily.....

Ron.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: TheBoy on 19 March 2014, 10:41:28
Thanks TB. I agree that they certainly did have a strong market presence; my early motoring memories include a terrific lubrication/grease chart for my 1938 Morris 12, a big poster which adorned my garage wall! Clever marketing, as I saw it daily.....

Ron.
I do use Castrol grease though. So its not that I don't like the company's products, its just that I find Magnatec poor.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 20 March 2014, 00:33:46
I have to agree on the most part with the use of non GM parts! I have had a couple of cases with my car where I have fitted pattern parts, only to find a couple of days (not weeks) it has to be returned for refund! For this reason I am now VERY choosy  with the parts I fit And can say that Elring gaskets "appear" to be O.k on the 4 pots and Shell Helix oil (10/40 HX7 in my case) performs well in the 2.2 petrol .... but that's not what this thread is about so I will Shhh  :-X
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 22 March 2014, 12:11:07
So................. driving home from work last night, the battery light comes on !! The car slowly begins to die (electrics, lights etc) The RAC arrive and confirm that alternator is at fault and i suspect that the oil leaking from the rocker cover gaskets has got in to the alternator and knackered it :'(

I have contacted a local motor factors but they have 2 types, 100 amp & 120 amp. Does anyone know which one i need? I have the 2.6 MV6 ?!?!!?

Cheers

Dave
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: pauls on 22 March 2014, 12:49:53
Its the 120amp :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 22 March 2014, 14:33:34
cheers  :y Would it be possible to use the 100 amp alternator as the parts shop i use only have the 100 amp in stock ??
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 22 March 2014, 15:38:18
If you can find a big engined astra / vectra ... they use the same alternator (only difference is the pulley) ! Save yourself a fortune and get a know good unit from a scrappy and swap the pulley over
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 22 March 2014, 16:23:42
I bought a 120 amp alternator recently from an ebay supplier for £70 delivered so have a look around.  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 22 March 2014, 18:16:12
cheers  :y Would it be possible to use the 100 amp alternator as the parts shop i use only have the 100 amp in stock ??
got a couple of 120a alternators here dave. used of course.  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: chrisgixer on 23 March 2014, 07:11:09
So................. driving home from work last night, the battery light comes on !! The car slowly begins to die (electrics, lights etc) The RAC arrive and confirm that alternator is at fault and i suspect that the oil leaking from the rocker cover gaskets has got in to the alternator and knackered it :'(

I have contacted a local motor factors but they have 2 types, 100 amp & 120 amp. Does anyone know which one i need? I have the 2.6 MV6 ?!?!!?

Cheers

Dave

Sorry to hear this Dave. It brings back memories on a course of failures that where very much connected on my first 2.5 omega owned before I knew about the forum. Gaskets failed due to age and very blocked breathers, causing knackered ignition system, and later, alternator as well.

The advise then was the same as it is now. Gm parts as the guide. And for me, that includes the alternator as advice to a newer member. As your finding the factors don't know the exact details of the am page and pulley sizes, where's as the dealers do. They also do an exchange service, so on return of your old alternator it makes the cost of a 3.2 alternator about £111 iirc.
 Before the non believers stand up in arms at the cost, yes that is still more expensive than the factors. But there in comes the experience of the member concerned. Sone here know this and bring the old part in to check at the counter. Others know how to refurb the alternator and are happy to follow the guide as such., saving more money in the process. Fair do's.

Me, I paid for the new part, from the dealers,  and the 2.5 back on the road ASAP. The choice is yours. :y

Re gm parts, as TB says, and implies, it's no good people just shouting out what they did themselves as the best thing to do for everyone. If your nearest dealer has stopped doing trade club, why does that mean recommending nobody uses trade club? It doesn't, it means there's a valid reason to not use TC in that instance, but not necessarily everyone else. (Unless their nearest tc dealer also turns out to be miles away of course ;D)
 
While we need to make sure newer members get the best advice on a reliable value for money part that works. We also need members to pass on info about new to the forum parts. Exhausts being a prime example. It used to be the case that trade club exhausts where fantastic. £300 gave you an oe factory fit exhaust with clam shell design and chrome tips that lasted 6 or 7 years.
 That changed. We then get some other piece of crap that barely lasted two years that was noisy and blocked internally usually before it rusted away.

Then a member here piped up, James iirc, that Eternal (and now ETS) offered a decent alternative that's quiet and lasts for a third of the price of a TC exhaust. Happy days and good man James.

<rant on>
Frankly scoffing at accepted advise and spouting unproven rubbish to new members in technical areas isn't on IMO. Tongue in cheek or not, its a help section, the guy is asking for help, and getting confusing info.
<rant off>

:)

Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: chrisgixer on 23 March 2014, 07:14:58
Being fair, he's also getting kind offers from local members too. :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 March 2014, 11:06:39

Re gm parts, as TB says, and implies, it's no good people just shouting out what they did themselves as the best thing to do for everyone. If your nearest dealer has stopped doing trade club, why does that mean recommending nobody uses trade club? It doesn't, it means there's a valid reason to not use TC in that instance, but not necessarily everyone else. (Unless their nearest tc dealer also turns out to be miles away of course ;D)
 

I don't think anyone has done this to be honest Chris.  ::) 
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: cd 2.2 on 23 March 2014, 11:17:35
Not to mention that you need a Registered business or organisation, a VAT number and be able to prove these things to become a trade club member !

Not all of us have these things or are able to access these things! This then makes trade club a non option and we have to pay standard dealer prices anyway :)

My local Vx dealer accepts the trade club but you have to have the above things first as I said ... I'm not saying to avoid the dealers for parts Chris, completely the opposite. If you can afford to get them by all means get them .... If you can't, Look at second hand parts Before buying crap pattern parts, I learned my lesson the hard way  :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 March 2014, 11:59:59
Not to mention that you need a Registered business or organisation, a VAT number and be able to prove these things to become a trade club member !

Not all of us have these things or are able to access these things! This then makes trade club a non option and we have to pay standard dealer prices anyway :)


As far as I understand, if you join the Autobahnstormers Club which is £25 a year then you can get a Trade Club card and this is how many of the members on the forum access The Trade Club and get the good discounts on service items and some other parts.  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: 05omegav6 on 23 March 2014, 12:18:02
Not to mention that you need a Registered business or organisation, a VAT number and be able to prove these things to become a trade club member !

Not all of us have these things or are able to access these things! This then makes trade club a non option and we have to pay standard dealer prices anyway :)


As far as I understand, if you join the Autobahnstormers Club which is £25 a year then you can get a Trade Club card and this is how many of the members on the forum access The Trade Club and get the good discounts on service items and some other parts.  ;)
This information is freely and clearly given in the Newbie and Frequently Asked Questions sections.

It strikes me as being quite apparent that there is a significant number of people, particularly newer members who seem incapable of reading through the forum and using the search facility prior to posting.

I'll say no more of it here, but might start summat in General Chat :-\
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: chrisgixer on 23 March 2014, 12:33:12

Re gm parts, as TB says, and implies, it's no good people just shouting out what they did themselves as the best thing to do for everyone. If your nearest dealer has stopped doing trade club, why does that mean recommending nobody uses trade club? It doesn't, it means there's a valid reason to not use TC in that instance, but not necessarily everyone else. (Unless their nearest tc dealer also turns out to be miles away of course ;D)
 

I don't think anyone has done this to be honest Chris.  ::) 


I disagree. Let's take your wiper blades, same as any other component, its only of interest if its better than the best available for the same money, or equal quality for less money. Its of no use whatsoever spouting on about cheaper parts that are also worse parts UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE having seen the part through its life.

Intended or otherwise, its implied the part is of interest as why would anybody bother to post up on a web site that this part is really cheap, without knowing its shit/good/brilliant or otherwise...?

Then when questioned as to quality you then implied its better as its cheaper, then when questioned that from experience they are shite, you can't respond as you don't know claiming you don't care they are cheap.

Oh good, so after fifty posts of bollards we all go back to the recommended part. ::)

That's great thankyou Sir Tigger!
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: chrisgixer on 23 March 2014, 12:40:09
Not to mention that you need a Registered business or organisation, a VAT number and be able to prove these things to become a trade club member !

Not all of us have these things or are able to access these things! This then makes trade club a non option and we have to pay standard dealer prices anyway :)


As far as I understand, if you join the Autobahnstormers Club which is £25 a year then you can get a Trade Club card and this is how many of the members on the forum access The Trade Club and get the good discounts on service items and some other parts.  ;)
This information is freely and clearly given in the Newbie and Frequently Asked Questions sections.

It strikes me as being quite apparent that there is a significant number of people, particularly newer members who seem incapable of reading through the forum and using the search facility prior to posting.

I'll say no more of it here, but might start summat in General Chat :-\

I have asked for a list of parts to be made a sticky at the top of car chat. Originally it was a list of trade club parts from the tc web site entitled tc parts list or similar.

But clearly it will need to evolve into something titled differently as trade club parts, or indeed any dealer supplied parts, will eventually dry up. We do need to find replacements, and as said before, we need people to pipe when an acceptable alternative to gm parts are found, as in the case of James and Eternal exhausts.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 March 2014, 12:48:00

Re gm parts, as TB says, and implies, it's no good people just shouting out what they did themselves as the best thing to do for everyone. If your nearest dealer has stopped doing trade club, why does that mean recommending nobody uses trade club? It doesn't, it means there's a valid reason to not use TC in that instance, but not necessarily everyone else. (Unless their nearest tc dealer also turns out to be miles away of course ;D)
 

I don't think anyone has done this to be honest Chris.  ::) 


I disagree. Let's take your wiper blades, same as any other component, its only of interest if its better than the best available for the same money, or equal quality for less money. Its of no use whatsoever spouting on about cheaper parts that are also worse parts UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE having seen the part through its life.

Intended or otherwise, its implied the part is of interest as why would anybody bother to post up on a web site that this part is really cheap, without knowing its shit/good/brilliant or otherwise...?

Then when questioned as to quality you then implied its better as its cheaper, then when questioned that from experience they are shite, you can't respond as you don't know claiming you don't care they are cheap.

Oh good, so after fifty posts of bollards we all go back to the recommended part. ::)

That's great thankyou Sir Tigger!

Nope I don't accept that at all. I didn't say explicitly or implicitly that my wiper blades were better because they were cheap. If I recall you ridiculed me for buying cheap crap and I accepted that they might not last long but at the price I paid if they didn't last long then I wouldn't be too bothered.

As it happens my cheap and nasty wiper blades do what they are supposed to.  They clear water off the windscreen efficiently and quietly and I am very happy with my purchase. £2.74.

Also I have never advised anyone not to use Trade Club.  I have never bothered with it myself for the reasons I stated before, but I fully recognise that it is a valuable resource for many members, it's just not for me. That's all.

If you want to carry on this well worn argument Chris start a new thread. Lets not take over this one.



Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: chrisgixer on 23 March 2014, 12:54:39
It's too late for that. I've only piped up because of some the dross posted on a help thread.

Your wipers are an Example! If they do indeed turn out to be of use, with decent life once expired, that would be a good time to let people know about them. :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: tunnie on 23 March 2014, 18:55:20
Not to mention that you need a Registered business or organisation, a VAT number and be able to prove these things to become a trade club member !

Nope, you don't need any of that  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: dave irmscher on 02 April 2014, 13:49:54
Sorted !!  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gasket
Post by: The Red Baron on 02 April 2014, 13:51:00
Sorted !!  :)
Good one Dave.  :y