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Author Topic: Metal cam covers  (Read 1926 times)

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Bumbazor

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Metal cam covers
« on: 29 May 2009, 17:13:39 »
I have read the following article:
Quote
they have a few inherant problems the cam covers are metal and so dont leak like an omegas one does instead it blows the rear crank seal contaminating the clutch and killing it

It's describing the engine in a Vectra, but does this mean that if I put metal covers on my Omega, and if the breathers are blocked, instead of popping the cam cover gaskets would it knacker my crank seal?
Or, does the crank seal issue only apply to the Vectras?

Thanks
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To do: Replace brake discs and pads; adjust already replaced shoes; check for leaks in oil cooler, cambelt area, crank seals, sump, dipstick; replace osf door; replace a tyre; clean, MOT.

Jimbob

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #1 on: 29 May 2009, 17:14:32 »
The crank seal will blow on the omega, as the next weakest link  :y
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Bent valve

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #2 on: 29 May 2009, 17:22:54 »
The crank seal will not leak unless your breathers are very restricted.
 Keep the breathers clear with regular oil changes and maintenance and you will have no problem with the far superior aluminium covers and the even more superior gaskets that go with them.
 Remember that Vauxhall only stuck crap plastic covers on to save money,  they did not design them to leak on purpose to save the crank seal!
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Elite Pete

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #3 on: 29 May 2009, 17:23:26 »
They're more trouble than they're worth, ask Robski ::)
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Bent valve

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #4 on: 29 May 2009, 17:26:37 »
Quote
They're more trouble than they're worth, ask Robski ::)
Ive had no trouble with mine in 18000 miles :y
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Elite Pete

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #5 on: 29 May 2009, 17:34:27 »
I believe you have to put them on different heads because of the oil filler. If you look down the plug holes the camcover holes for the plug leads are not directly above the plugs.

I can't see the point in replacing the black ones, if they are leaking, replace the seals and keep the breathers and oil clean and they shouldn't bother you again ;)
« Last Edit: 29 May 2009, 17:36:16 by Elite_Pete »
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Bumbazor

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #6 on: 29 May 2009, 17:40:05 »
I'm quite sure my breathers are ok as I have just done them, and they weren't too bad.

My problem is a few months ago I had badly warped covers which were leaking, so I got some good plastic ones with straight edges which fixed the leaks. Until a few days ago, that is. For some reason they have warped and not due to overtightening as I did the bolts properly.

I can keep on getting plastic covers but I don't want them to fail again, which is why I'm now thinking about metal covers.

If the only bad point of metal covers is the possibility that bad breathers can cause the crank seal to blow then I'll be careful not to let that happen.

What other problems can happen with metal covers?
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To do: Replace brake discs and pads; adjust already replaced shoes; check for leaks in oil cooler, cambelt area, crank seals, sump, dipstick; replace osf door; replace a tyre; clean, MOT.

Elite Pete

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #7 on: 29 May 2009, 17:42:03 »
Did you check the cam covers before you fitted them.
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Bumbazor

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #8 on: 29 May 2009, 17:46:29 »
Yes, they were very good but now are not...

I got them from Daz and they were fine for several weeks. The edges were straight but when I checked today the edges are all wavy and I'm damn sure I didn't overtighten.

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To do: Replace brake discs and pads; adjust already replaced shoes; check for leaks in oil cooler, cambelt area, crank seals, sump, dipstick; replace osf door; replace a tyre; clean, MOT.

Elite Pete

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #9 on: 29 May 2009, 17:48:57 »
Did you use a torque wrench?
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Lizzie_Zoom

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #10 on: 29 May 2009, 17:51:03 »
Quote
Did you use a torque wrench?


..............set at 8nm?
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Bumbazor

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #11 on: 29 May 2009, 17:51:56 »
No but very lightly finger tightened.
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To do: Replace brake discs and pads; adjust already replaced shoes; check for leaks in oil cooler, cambelt area, crank seals, sump, dipstick; replace osf door; replace a tyre; clean, MOT.

Bent valve

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #12 on: 29 May 2009, 17:58:04 »
Quote
I believe you have to put them on different heads because of the oil filler. If you look down the plug holes the camcover holes for the plug leads are not directly above the plugs.

I can't see the point in replacing the black ones, if they are leaking, replace the seals and keep the breathers and oil clean and they shouldn't bother you again ;)
That maybe so, I havent had much experience changing gaskets with the plastic covers , ive only changed one set so far (not leaked yet) but I have heard many horror stories regarding repeated gasket changes and continued oil leaks especially with pattern parts.
 On the other hand, while you do have to fit the ally covers to different heads (you  need to use a funnel to top the oil up) you can use pattern gaskets without concern . I havent noticed that the plug holes/ plugs dont line up but i will have a look and report back.
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Bent valve

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #13 on: 29 May 2009, 18:03:56 »
Quote
No but very lightly finger tightened.
if they were only very lightly finger tightened you are lucky they havent fallen off never mind leaked ;D
« Last Edit: 29 May 2009, 18:04:15 by Bent_Valve »
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TheBoy

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Re: Metal cam covers
« Reply #14 on: 29 May 2009, 18:06:05 »
Quote
No but very lightly finger tightened.
Thats why they leaked. You really MUST use a torque wrench ;)
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