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[miggy]

Dont know if this should be here or in general chat.

Anyway, i see lots of threads relating to cam cover gaskets, what are the tell tail signs that says they need changing, is it something that is done par for course every so often.
It would be interesting to know what to look for.

 

[JamesV6CDX]

If you pull a plug lead (or in your case a coil pack - easy enough), you will see some traces of oil on the end of the lead if there is a leak into the plug wells.

Other signs are, a "smell" of oil when the car is hot, and in worse cases, oil collecting lower down on the engine.

Another sign that the "o" rings in the camcovers are failing, is a seeping of oil from the camcover bolts

They don't need changing if there are no signs of leaks - but it's always worth keeping the breathers clear.

Blocked breathers cause increased crankcase pressure, which in turn blows the cam cover gaskets, so cleaning breathers is a must if you want the gaskets to last.

[miggy]

If you pull a plug lead (or in your case a coil pack - easy enough), you will see some traces of oil on the end of the lead if there is a leak into the plug wells.

Other signs are, a "smell" of oil when the car is hot, and in worse cases, oil collecting lower down on the engine.

Another sign that the "o" rings in the camcovers are failing, is a seeping of oil from the camcover bolts

They don't need changing if there are no signs of leaks - but it's always worth keeping the breathers clear.
Blocked breathers cause increased crankcase pressure, which in turn blows the cam cover gaskets, so cleaning breathers is a must if you want the gaskets to last.

Thanks for that James, i take it the breathers are the small tubes etc that run from the plenims.

 

[ians]

There is a very comprehensive How To by Ronnie McB regarding cleaning breathers.

[sophos9]

Tell tale signs....

In my case, oil leaking down the passenger side cylinder head straight onto the manifold and burning, smells great first thing in the morning!! After getting it through an MOT (new exhaust, brake lines) I went to Vx and stroked their palm with some cash - in return they gave me some black sealant, 8 seals and the cylinder cover gaskets. Am doing it tomorrow, alongside fitting a new radiator to my bike, sorting a barge coolant leak etc etc....  :-/

[Kev]

Dont know if this should be here or in general chat.

Anyway, i see lots of threads relating to cam cover gaskets, what are the tell tail signs that says they need changing, is it something that is done par for course every so often.
It would be interesting to know what to look for.

 

The spots of oil all over my drive are also a dead giveaway.  

[MutantCav]

Vectra Metal Cam Covers are also good to use as a replacement...better fit and stronger and pretty much eliminates this problem in future...have a set on the V6 I'm scrapping. Looks better too!

[sophos9]

I replaced the passenger side cam cover gasket today, looks like previous fitters did not seal the half-moons (no visible sealant) and all the other areas were a light brown colour (wrong sealant?)

Anyway, I did not start the car up as not sure if there is a 'curing' time for the sealant, will it be ok tomorrow?

Cheers!

[Jay w]

Vectra Metal Cam Covers are also good to use as a replacement...better fit and stronger and pretty much eliminates this problem in future...have a set on the V6 I'm scrapping. Looks better too!

only thing to remember is that the oil filler location is different and does require a longer filler neck/funnel