Rocker cover seal leak? What tools, how hard?

Started by red78, February 13, 2019, 05:13:00 PM

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red78

Hi all,

I don't have much mechanical knowledge or skills. I have a 1978 Alfetta GTV for nostalgia reasons.

I've added links at the end of my post to photos of the problem. There is oil leaking over the exhaust pipe of cylinder two. The engines running rough, is that to be expected from a rocker cover leak? Am I right in identifying it as the rocker cover seal?

What tools will I need if I wish to do this job myself with a mate if it isn't too difficult?

Also I have a cracked exhaust gasket and bought a ring spanner 13mm size but can't get it over all nuts. What tool do I use for the exhaust to replace the manifold?

I'm very noob to cars and apologise for any eye rolls my post has caused.

Here are some links to photos I took

https://i.imgur.com/rFNOoVv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UEsL2iG.jpg


GTVeloce

The engine doesn't have rockers so its called a cam cover and you need a new cam cover gasket. Fairly simple job to do but while you have it off it's probably worth checking your timing, chain tension and valve clearances.

No special tools required other than a basic socket set. To check valve clearances you will need a set of feeler gauges and that's it.

It may be worth investing in a copy of the Haynes manual as it outlines all the steps needed to do these jobs as well as providing the values you need to look for.

The 13mm should work for all the nuts on the exhaust but you could try using an imperial spanner just a little larger than 13mm and test that but be careful not to round the nut.

Craig_m67

#2
I would clean the area spotlessly with degreaser or carb cleaner (Nulon carb degreaser spray on from SuperCheap is the most effective in my opinion, just don't get any on the paint!!) and then see "where" it actually leaks from, then perhaps loosen and re-tighten the cover to specs.

The cam/rocker cover is easy to replace.. only takes a few moments. Six cam cover bolts on the top and perhaps two machine screws underneath the front of the cover near the water pulley

Don't overtighten it!!
'66 Duetto (lacework of doom)
'73 1600 GT Junior (ensconced)
'03 156 1.9JTD Sportwagon (daily driver)

carlo rossi

Can i invite you tegisyer your alfetta on the register
3 topics down
Thanks
current cars
red 83 gtv 2.0


previous cars
Red 76 1.2/1.5 alfasud ti
white 79 alfetta 2000
alfetta 74 1.8
escort Lotus twin cam
bikes
ducati 900 ss 1979
moto morini 3 1/2 sport 1975/6
Moto morini 3 1/2 valentini speciale 77 oh and a deltek rockhopper