Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: gbh on 05 June 2015, 19:00:44

Title: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 05 June 2015, 19:00:44
Hi all,after checking and cleaning the breather system I now need to do the rocker gaskets,any suggestions of where to buy?are Elring ok?or should i go for vauxhall as the prices seem to vary quite a bit on the different manufacturers ,also the black sealent same question?Thanks
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 05 June 2015, 19:04:12
Avoid elring like the plague, go gm :y
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: joff on 05 June 2015, 19:06:14
I always use main dealer parts, prices are higher but out last the others
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: BazaJT on 05 June 2015, 19:28:38
General advice on here is genuine GM from a genuine GM dealership for longevity,although I do believe one or two members on here are trialling aftermarket ones.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 05 June 2015, 23:07:11
I want to be sure to order the right part,so do all 4 look the same?as they appear mirror image like as in 2 different gaskets per side?Thanks
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: tunnie on 06 June 2015, 00:25:02
Buy GM.  :y

That said I'm considering the supplier dbug used on my 3.2, as that does not do big miles.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: chrisgixer on 06 June 2015, 01:54:54
GM dealer only. Well trodden topic this one. Historically pretty much everything else fails early, causing damage to the ignition system. Cam covers, or any other, are not a job to do twice in short order.

GM cam covers, o rings and black goo. :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 08 June 2015, 22:12:49
Just had a quote for gaskets,O rings and sealent= £114.52 its easy to see why people would chose other gasket makers!!!
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: chrisgixer on 08 June 2015, 22:21:22
This is also why it's wise to be on trade club. £70 odd are they?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 09 June 2015, 20:07:39
That's handy to know and how does one join the Trade club?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 09 June 2015, 22:29:39
V6 Cam Cover Gasket Kit,I notice use to be sold on this site has this now stopped?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Andy B on 09 June 2015, 22:38:20
That's handy to know and how does one join the Trade club?

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90491.0  :y :y

ignore the bit about andyc though  ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 10 June 2015, 10:35:13
Thanks for the info,after hunting a bit it seems that Vauxhall owners club as part of their membership do trade club as well.£15 to join normally but they seem to have a technical problem at the moment with membership so suspended if and when it reopens i'll look at joining,this maybe useful to others on here who like me don't know...
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Bojan on 12 June 2015, 11:32:49
Victor reinz makes a good quality gaskets (not just this one, but in general too).
There is a set 15-34268-02, it's quite cheaper than GM original.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: EMD on 12 June 2015, 13:54:50
Victor reinz makes a good quality gaskets (not just this one, but in general too).
There is a set 15-34268-02, it's quite cheaper than GM original.

Was just looking at those yesterday ..
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 12 June 2015, 21:34:18
Thanks,who stocks this in the uk?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: hoody on 13 June 2015, 19:45:18
If i remember correctly GSF sell them.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 14 June 2015, 21:31:36
Can't see them on there site,anybody else?
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 17 June 2015, 14:29:05
Well i've found a stockist after sending an email to Germany and the response was very quick and professional so lets hope their gaskets are of the same standard..
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 17 June 2015, 14:30:38

Thanks Bojan i'm going to give them a try!!
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: EMD on 17 June 2015, 15:23:44
Well i've found a stockist after sending an email to Germany and the response was very quick and professional so lets hope their gaskets are of the same standard..

Is that over here or Germany , i looked on the site but when i see the postage costs it wasnt worth it from Germany unless bulk ordering  :-\ Think you would be Guinea pig trialling them as no one else seems to have tested the longevity  :-\
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: hoody on 17 June 2015, 17:39:18
http://www.gsfcarparts.com/victorreinz
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 17 June 2015, 22:15:15
Well Vauxhall quoted £114 of course cheaper on TC if i could join,so had a quote today from Motorcare Motor Factors ltd of £8 each now that maybe for a pair not quite sure and i have to wait until July to get them but no rush.As i said i emailed Germany who quickly got someone in the UK to email me with local suppliers,their main distributor in the UK is Mahle,these gaskets were recommended by one of our members as above.Obviously the Vauxhall ones aren't that great otherwise we wouldn't have all these problems and we'll find out i'm sure
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 19 June 2015, 10:18:52
The black sealant should i use Vauxhall as i read Loctite is the same or better?Loctite sl 5980 or 5900?Thanks
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Bojan on 19 June 2015, 11:33:00
I used either Loctite 518 (the red stuff), or a sealant similar to loctite 5980.
Eitherway, you can use 5980, it withstands oil and tepms up to 250°C.

Vauxhall/GM stuff is probably made by Heinkel (Loctite).
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 19 June 2015, 19:47:08
Thanks Bojan
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 23 August 2015, 22:30:15
Well I finally got the time and fitted the gaskets today,i've used Victor Reinz and so we'll see how they go.Thanks for the fabulous guide on here and all the help.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Lazydocker on 24 August 2015, 07:43:54
Keep us up to date. So far the pattern Cam cover gaskets have lasted anything from a few weeks to a few months, the exception being the ones that (I think) dbug is currently trialling.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: terry paget on 24 August 2015, 08:25:38
I am curious why they are so prone to failure, and why buying the best is critical. As long as the breathers are clear they act only as an oil seal at no pressure, not a demanding role. Once the small breather is blocked they have to withstand crankcase pressure. Then you need the best gasket you can buy, and even that will fail eventually.

I reckon some garages (and some owners) fit new gaskets without clearing the breathers. They should fit GM gaskets! If the breathers are clear I reckon any gasket should do.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Lazydocker on 24 August 2015, 08:53:49
I am curious why they are so prone to failure, and why buying the best is critical. As long as the breathers are clear they act only as an oil seal at no pressure, not a demanding role. Once the small breather is blocked they have to withstand crankcase pressure. Then you need the best gasket you can buy, and even that will fail eventually.

I reckon some garages (and some owners) fit new gaskets without clearing the breathers. They should fit GM gaskets! If the breathers are clear I reckon any gasket should do.

Very rarely do garages clean the breathers. They fail because they go hard and brittle. This seems to happen much more quickly on pattern gaskets.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: gbh on 24 August 2015, 23:39:12
I will certainly keep everyone informed on the performance of these Victor Reinz gaskets.There customer service was first class as i emailed Germany to find a UK stockist answered the next day with nearby stockist and address and phone number.It seemed to fit ok without problem the old GM ones were very hard and the plug wells were quite full of oil particularly the passenger side.I think i may need a coil pack for that side in the future as it was overheated and cracked but still working.If anyone knows under the plenum bridge i noticed some whiteish crystalised  powder around the water inlet i assume.I have been losing water for some time i wonder if that could be it???
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 30 August 2015, 23:46:09
Keep us up to date. So far the pattern Cam cover gaskets have lasted anything from a few weeks to a few months, the exception being the ones that (I think) dbug is currently trialling.

Update - the AGP ones that cost around a fiver have been on the "drivers bank" now for around 16K miles - fitted together with a new set of GM gaskets (which I had "in stock" and cost me £25 when I bought them) on the "passenger bank".  No leakage to date from either bank - in fact just serviced the car so checked carefully - and in 16K miles only needed to top up engine oil once (after 15K) with around 1/4 pint!  Engine and drive both dry.

Both gaskets fitted using new GM o-rings and black sealant - niether bank was torqued, just tightened from middle out in stages by feel (experience).  All bolts checked during recent service for continued tightness & all ok.

HTH

Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: biggriffin on 31 August 2015, 08:54:41
Keep us up to date. So far the pattern Cam cover gaskets have lasted anything from a few weeks to a few months, the exception being the ones that (I think) dbug is currently trialling.

Update - the AGP ones that cost around a fiver have been on the "drivers bank" now for around 16K miles - fitted together with a new set of GM gaskets (which I had "in stock" and cost me £25 when I bought them) on the "passenger bank".  No leakage to date from either bank - in fact just serviced the car so checked carefully - and in 16K miles only needed to top up engine oil once (after 15K) with around 1/4 pint!  Engine and drive both dry.

Both gaskets fitted using new GM O- rings and black sealant - niether bank was torqued, just tightened from middle out in stages by feel (experience).  All bolts checked during recent service for continued tightness & all ok.

HTH

Ive always found that's were they leak, never had a gasket leak.  :)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: EMD on 31 August 2015, 10:13:57
Victor Reinz gaskets are recommended by other with vast experience so hope the gaskets serve you well  :) At least we now have an option for these gaskets rather than being ripped off at the stealers .
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Webby the Bear on 31 August 2015, 10:20:39
I am currently 'testing' eBay specials  ::)

Fitted last August. Not leaking yet. I pull a couple of plug leads every month.

Though do be aware that this is a test for OOF research purposes.

And partly cos I refuse to pay the £80-summat quid GM want.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: terry paget on 31 August 2015, 16:13:44
The 2.6 I bought in Plymouth in May 2015 came with a cam cover gasket set in the boot. I soon discovered the o/s cam cover gasket ws leaking, and the  small breather was well blocked. N/s CCG was not leaking. I cleared the breather and fitted the gasket supplied. No trouble so far. The make was Leader LSC, the price for 2 sets gaskets and O rings on 2/4/2015 was £15.13 inc. VAT and postage.

At least Omegas are popular enough to make it worthwhile for others to make aftermarket parts for them. I doubt the same applies to Ferraris, Rolls Royces, etc. I will report later.
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: dbug on 31 August 2015, 22:55:29
The 2.6 I bought in Plymouth in May 2015 came with a cam cover gasket set in the boot. I soon discovered the o/s cam cover gasket ws leaking, and the  small breather was well blocked. N/s CCG was not leaking. I cleared the breather and fitted the gasket supplied. No trouble so far. The make was Leader LSC, the price for 2 sets gaskets and O rings on 2/4/2015 was £15.13 inc. VAT and postage.

At least Omegas are popular enough to make it worthwhile for others to make aftermarket parts for them. I doubt the same applies to Ferraris, Rolls Royces, etc. I will report later.

Fitted an aftermarket exhaust to my '72 Dino ;)
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: EMD on 01 September 2015, 17:47:11
I am currently 'testing' eBay specials  ::)

Fitted last August. Not leaking yet. I pull a couple of plug leads every month.

Though do be aware that this is a test for OOF research purposes.

And partly cos I refuse to pay the £80-summat quid GM want.

The Pattern lab  ;D

Where they the ones i linked to or did you buy different ? The ones i fitted are on the old MV6  :(
Title: Re: Rocker cover gaskets
Post by: Webby the Bear on 01 September 2015, 19:39:39
I am currently 'testing' eBay specials  ::)

Fitted last August. Not leaking yet. I pull a couple of plug leads every month.

Though do be aware that this is a test for OOF research purposes.

And partly cos I refuse to pay the £80-summat quid GM want.

The Pattern lab  ;D

Where they the ones i linked to or did you buy different ? The ones i fitted are on the old MV6  :(

Yeah I think they were the ones you pointed out mate cheers  :y