Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: tomoco on 13 March 2009, 22:10:15

Title: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: tomoco on 13 March 2009, 22:10:15: Just ordered a cam cover gasket set from "THE SHOP". I've no problem having a go at fitting it but i'm just a bit concerned about 2 points in the how to.
1, de-pressurizing the fuel injector rail (you have to press a relief valve) is this obvious to see when you take off the top section?

2, disconecting the 2 fuel lines (worried about petrol leaking everywhere).
These are probably silly points to raise but years ago a friend of mine got badly burned working on a fuel pump on his car. Scared for life.

Always a bit nervous around fuel

Mark :-[
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: Bumbazor on 13 March 2009, 22:17:50: The relief valve looks a bit like the schraeder air valves on tyres (without the thread). You can probably see it without taking anything off but it will probably have a black dust cap over it.
Mine wasn't pressurised much at all; only got a small 'pfft' out of it but I put an old rag around while I did it just in case.

Once its lost pressure disconnecting the fuel pipes is no problem. Loosen the nuts first then wrap someting round them and undo by hand. And wear gloves too for extra protection.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: tomoco on 13 March 2009, 22:45:34: Thanks mate, didnt want to stop half way through the job. My friend is still paying for his mistake. I dont mind doing the job as long as i have all the info on it.
Thanks again

Mark
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: Timbuk on 13 March 2009, 22:49:55: And when you've done them you'll have a big grin on your face and be wondering why you were so worried in the first place ;)
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: Entwood on 13 March 2009, 22:52:38: I printed off these guides...

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564281

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1159298765

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152598350

and had them with me throughout the job .... found them to be exceedingly helpful the first time, and a useful reference the second time (different car for the cam covers )

One point I would make ... the guide says to move the cable tray, which can be a fiddly task - undoing all the little clips etc etc .. don't try and leave it in place ... take the damned thing off then tie the cables up out of the way .. I used the bonnet support ... if you try and leave it you'll end up with problems on the passenger gasket ... be warned !!!!

HTH
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: Christian on 13 March 2009, 23:06:53: If you dont de pressure fuel rail its only gunna hiss at you and splash a bit of petrol around, its no biggy if your that wooried mate! :) Just watch your eyes and a hot engine!
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: tomoco on 13 March 2009, 23:45:20: Thanks for all the tips you lot. The cable tray is a bit of a pig to take out(did the spark plugs last year) broke most of the clips so it should be a bit easier this time round :)

Actually looking forward to getting stuck in :y
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: Christian on 14 March 2009, 09:19:35: Make sure you clean out the Plenum and Breather box pipe and shove some carb cleaner down breather pipes!
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: TheBoy on 14 March 2009, 13:17:18: 2 tips added to what has already been said.

The fuel lines when undone, tie them up higher, so fuel tends not to drip out (also, obviously cover them).

Don't smoke.
Title: Re: Cam cover gaskets "nervous"
Post by: chrisdb on 14 March 2009, 13:59:48: Marks DTM showed me a cool tip - before you start work, removed the fuel pump fuse. Turn the engine over a bit and that will depressurise the system for you.

I always find there's petrol in the manifold so I plug the holes with some kitchen paper. Some does spill but nothing to worry about.

You'll be fine if a muppet like me can manage it ;)