Cam gasket leak

[cleverusername]

Finally got the Sprint running with new head, alas I have oil covering the exhaust manifold and the cam gasket is soaked in the stuff. Obviously I will replace, but is there anything I should do to seal it properly?

[Galileo]

I had the same problem but then Alun supplied me with the proper thickness gasket and the problem was solved.

[gmsclassics]

Stick the gasket to one surface with contact adhesive and use a gasket sealer sparingly on the other face. I had this recommended to me for situations where a long thin gasket might get displaced during installation. I have used it and it seems to work. Helps too when removing as having it stuck to one surface increases the chances of the gasket being able to be reused.

Only other thing is to check both surfaces, especially the cam cover are actually flat! Also that the six 'bolts' can tighten it up and don't bottom out in the holes. I use the type that need an allen key to tighten them up and make sure they are torqued correctly.

Geoff

[cleverusername]

Stick the gasket to one surface with contact adhesive and use a gasket sealer sparingly on the other face. I had this recommended to me for situations where a long thin gasket might get displaced during installation. I have used it and it seems to work. Helps too when removing as having it stuck to one surface increases the chances of the gasket being able to be reused.

Only other thing is to check both surfaces, especially the cam cover are actually flat! Also that the six 'bolts' can tighten it up and don't bottom out in the holes. I use the type that need an allen key to tighten them up and make sure they are torqued correctly.

Geoff

I suspect it could be the allen keys, so add washers. I have also had the cam cover off a dozen or so times to try and get the timing right.

[Ron1966]

Yes add some washers because the pins might be bottoming out before they clamp the gasket to the head. Alun has got some proper thickness gaskets which are much better. I also did the same on my inlet manifold because they looked like they could be bottoming out also on mine and if they were not it was close. Make sure the bottom of the holes are free of crap also. Well done on getting it running also

[tony g]

If theres enough clamping (bolt length etc as suggested), Use rtv on the gasket to cover and leave to dry on a flat surface. No need to add sealer on the head side, in my case anyway. Squib of sealer in the half moons(not the cover side). This allows removal of the cover without disturbing the gasket and seals again. Good luck.

Tony

[trackerjack]

If theres enough clamping (bolt length etc as suggested), Use rtv on the gasket to cover and leave to dry on a flat surface. No need to add sealer on the head side, in my case anyway. Squib of sealer in the half moons(not the cover side). This allows removal of the cover without disturbing the gasket and seals again. Good luck.

Tony

Yep I agree and always did it this way when I had a Sprint, however I do it the way someone wants when I build an engine for them. I got fed up with oil getting on the ex manifold when using a gasket.