rocker cover gasket troubles

**silverMK1** · 21-12-2006, 07:55 PM

i have got a early mk2 GTi engine K-jet (EV) i bought a rubber gasket and when i changed it, the mounting holes were to small for the gasket to sit flush, and oil pissed out everywhere, i though i was going to have an engine fire....

... any ideas??? have i got the wrong gasket??

**Campaign** · 21-12-2006, 09:06 PM

When I bought a rubber rocker gasket I found that the studs on the head had shoulders on them, so that the gasket wouldn't fit. I think the dealer should have supplied new studs when he sold me the gasket.
Anyway, I drilled out the holes to the size that fitted, and played safe with black silicone, and the thing doesn't leak. Think that getting the correct studs would be a better idea than drilling a brand new expensive gasket.

**Golf Loon** · 21-12-2006, 09:51 PM

Use an early type cork gasket or get the later studs, like on a Mk3.

**silverMK1** · 21-12-2006, 10:50 PM

that sounds right. i though about drilling them bigger.. i cant use the car as it is now so ill drill them bigger.. and i was looking for a cork 1 but no1 had any.. ive got gasket glue stuff. ill use that... stuff like this makes me want to get a new engine...

**roccodingo** · 21-12-2006, 11:12 PM

Techtonics ( amongst other suppliers) does an upgrade kit for the cork gaskets,

1 Piece rubber gasket and the correct studs for $20 US. ( part # 198.163 )

good people , little bit expensive ...http://www.techtonicstuning.com/

Did this on my last 1.8 rebuild ( 3 1/2 years ago) and it still doesnt leak. also changed to the rubber sump gasket with windage tray , all good stuff..

brackie · 22-12-2006, 05:38 AM

But it works

When I was an apprentice I learned to smear cork gaskets with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and let them stand for a while.
This:
* softens the surface and protects against initial shrinkage
* allows them to stick to the surface of one of the components to be fitted
*Lets you slide the gasket to get it exactly in place

Unlike grease, petroleum jelly dissolves completely in hot oil and causes no residue.
If I can't get a surface absolutely clean and free of indents, I smear a very light coat of silicone over the gasket. Silicone's great stuff as long as you use the absolute minimum necessary to do the job. I cooling systems too much will block the radiator core over time, and the last thing that you want is a chunk of it getting stuck in a crankshaft oil way