18 replies to this topic

[davelh]

Right, I've tried silicone, I've tried rubber gaskets, I've tried nipping it up.
This bloody bolt won't stop leaking, and as you know the smallest leak gets bloody everywhere!
Anyone else had this problem and made it go away?

Cheers
Dave

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[73SUNBURSTEXYOUWON]

Not familiar with your engine, but i have to ask,

is the screw bottoming out in the hole and not enabling the gasket to compress and seal properly?

Is the gasket split, by being over tightened?

Just thinking, Can a rubber backed steel sealing washer be used under the head of the screw be used, maybe similar to the image or even a dowdy sealing washer?

https://www.google.c...ih=652&dpr=1.75

Attached Files

•  Screenshot_20220828-164201_Chrome.jpg   55.85K   4 downloads

[davelh]

Cheers mate, bolt isn't bottomed out, and the rubber gasket isn't cracked, just seems to be weeping through. I did try a rubber washer without much success.

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[73SUNBURSTEXYOUWON]

How annoying, when something so simple is a right PITA.

Maybe try a different sealant than ultrablue, ensure its absolutely cleaned down, leaving no oil residue, Try using a loctite primer?

After how long of engine running/sitting does this weeping of oil appear?

[S pack]

Have you replaced the rocker cover gaskets or just changed out the original bolts for the stainless items?

[davelh]

I changed to gaskets to rubber, stopped the actual covers leaking, but now this bolt leaks!

It must leak when running, as there wouldn't be oil on it when sitting.

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[S pack]

Time to pull the cover back off and check what damage has been done to the rubber gasket. If the gasket is sealing properly you won't have oil leaking past those bolts.

[rodomo]

Is the boss in the head where the bolt screws into cracked?

[S pack]

https://www.maceengi...P-VR-304-50L-V8

 

• Description

Due to extended exposure to high temperatures, it is very common for the valve cover gaskets on any motor to eventually become brittle and break, especially on the Holden V8. If the problem is left unattended, the engine bay ends up looking like a mess, worst case, engine damage will result due to oil loss.
This replacement pair of paper rocker cover gaskets perfectly seals the covers to the cylinder heads and meets all OEM specifications. These gaskets have been manufactured from high-grade automotive materials to ensure trouble-free motoring for all applications.

 

Vehicle Fitment Guide

 

Notes:

• VL-VR EFi 5.0L V8s use paper rocker cover gaskets while VS-VT EFi 5.0L V8s use a moulded rubber rocker cover gasket. Unfortunately the cylinder head castings are different with the earlier cylinder head having a wider rocker cover rail. This wider rail does not allow the later rubber type gasket to fit snugly onto the cylinder head and causes the gasket to bulge out of place. This bulging can cause the gasket to be pinched when fitting the rocker cover in place and result in improper sealing.
• Later model gaskets can be purchased through another ad.

 

 

Also this info from Permaseal https://www.aagasket...ver Gaskets.pdf

Edited by S pack, 28 August 2022 - 10:26 PM.

[76lxhatch]

You definitely need a metal washer under the head of the bolt to properly support the rubber seal. Generally these either have a metal-on-metal seal against the bolt head (which also means the bolt itself must have a good shoulder) or squeeze the rubber in against the shank (which probably won't work if your bolt is fully threaded).

 

If you can't find the correct item, I'd suggest trying something like an aluminium sealing washer (like on sump bungs and various hydraulic equipment). Nip the bolt head up against it so they slightly deform together, then remove and add the rubber washer under it. Don't over-torque as this won't have any resistance against pushing the rubber away from the bolt.

[S pack]

Looks like he has a flat metal washer in underneath that blue silicone.

Edited by S pack, 29 August 2022 - 06:46 AM.

[davelh]

The gaskets are brand new, no damage. There is a washer under the bolt. I have pulled the bolt and thrown more RTV on it, see how it goes.

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[Rockoz]

Many years ago I got hooked on Wurth sealer. The red stuff.

Used it in place of V8 valley gaskets on Holden and Chev engines.

No leaks ever.

Stuff cleans up easily on disassembly as well.

Used it on a small block ski boat engine.

Owner was an idiot but thats another story.

We had the engine in and out weekly for a couple of months before he took some advice.

Used it on the sump and rockers as well. His decision.

Needed a cricket bat to get them off, but all the sealant came off with a simple rub of the fingers.

Sealed up a leaking rocker cover on a motor bike once.

Wiped the oil away, smeared the stuff on and 5 years later still no leaks.

 

Best sealant I have ever used.

 

Cheers

 

Rob

[Heath]

I used dowty washers on my VN type rocker covers. Not on the flange type bolts around the outside, but the middle/top two bolt heads.

 

They seem to be working.

[Dr Terry]

Make sure the PCV system is working properly. Quite often mysterious oil leaks are caused by excess crankcase pressure, because it's not vented.

 

Dr Terry

[davelh]

Make sure the PCV system is working properly. Quite often mysterious oil leaks are caused by excess crankcase pressure, because it's not vented.

Dr Terry

Thanks Terry, I did check that, and all is well.

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[skap]

Just commenting to receive notifications in case my VN has the same issue.

 

Go the mighty VN

[fx48_eh64]

Been 12 or 13 yrs since i put the VN engine back together for my FX, but i thought the rocker cover bolts had special seals that came in the kit with the top end gasket kit 

[davelh]

For future reference, the gasket was squashing right next to the bolt hole, and just letting it weep out. Changed for some thicker paper gaskets, see how they go!

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