SJ410 - Replacing rocker cover gasket

[RobS4321]

Hi all

I have some oil leaking around the rocker cover gasket on my '86 SJ410, on both front and rear corners of the LHS of the cover, so both corners above the spark plugs. Also leaking around the two rearmost bolts on top.

So I want to replace the gasket but how do I tackle the leak around the bolts?

Additionally, I have had some people tell me it's a piece of piss to do it all myself and I've had others say that gaskets are a dark art and get someone with experience to do it. I'm keen to do it as I have a sound mechanical understanding (just very limited actual hands on experience) and I want to learn but I also don't want to cause more problems for myself later.

What's the general advice from people here? And if I should proceed myself what are the things I need to bear in mind as I go?

Any advice much appreciated!

[Jordi]

Buy a gasket set and some gasket sealer.

Not sure if the 410 is a cork / rubber gasket on the rocker cover.

Its a doddle to do. Literally half an hour. Bolts out, cover off and clean all round the contact surfaces.

New gasket, gasket sealer if required.

[RobS4321]

Cool. It does look simple. Just wanted one more opinion. Cheers.

And how about the leak around the two bolts on top?

[Jordi]

Are they loose? Do they have a rubber washer on them?

[SherwoodNash]

Yes, before you order anything, thoroughly clean the oily areas, give all the bolts a gentle tighten (max torque for bolts is a recommended 3 to 3.5 Ft-lbs) start motor and observe.

Do the bolts look in good shape with the correct washers?

You can buy spares from your dealer or from the states on Ebay.



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301880144839

[RobS4321]

Alright cheers guys I'll get back to you. In terms of how it looks, bolts look fine and they all have the same washer. Whether or not it's the correct washer I'm not sure. I haven't checked the torque on them atm so I'll do that shortly.

[donkeychomp]

DON'T torque them down! Just tighten them up and don't overdo it either!

[SherwoodNash]

DON'T torque them down! Just tighten them up and don't overdo it either!

Camshaft cover bolts: 3 to 3.5 Ft-lbs

Source: http://www.suzukiclubuk.co.uk/tech-spec ... olt-torque

Agreed though, at the end of the day, 3.5 Ft-lbs is not that tight.

[RobS4321]

Ok so after doing the bolts just a tiny bit tighter the leak is definitely not as bad but is also definitely still coming out around one of the bolts. It is also still leaking on the spark plug side of the gasket so I will proceed to replace gasket, bolts and washers, the whole lot!

Cheers

[SherwoodNash]

One last tip before you start ordering!

Just checked another source, (Haynes Manual) and that lists torque of 4 Ft-lbs for the cover bolts.

If you do replace parts, you may be OK reusing the original bolts?