Which sealant for rocker cover (Gasket)

[German-Whips]

I'm looking to adjust the valves on my M20B25 motor over the weekend to cure the tappety sound and possible idle issues.

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend what procedure to follow/what to use when refitting the rocker cover?
I've heard that silicone sealant should be used when fitting the new gasket.

Can anyone post a link to the suitable sealant please? I have no idea which one to use.

Also, when applying the sealant, how/where do I apply it. onto both sides of the gasket or directly onto the cylinder head and rocker cover surface? I'm guessing it's both sides?


Also, is this the correct gasket to use for the car?

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/engine ... ver-gasket

Also, is the guide on the wiki comprehensive enough for the job, or is there anything else I should know before attempting the job? http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... M20_engine


This is my first time doing it. I've printed off the guide from the wiki and have the correct feeler gauge for the 0.25mm spacing, but just want to make sure on the other bits, as I don't want to make a critical mistake/redo it.

Thanks!

[h2ggv]

Hi glad you posted this im about to do the same this weekend never seen the wiki about it on here before. I looked at a video on youtube looks a easy job but you never know untill you try

goodluck as for gaskets i needed other haskets so just bought a gasket set

[Jona1971]

Just did mine and didn't use any gasket sealant, just cleaned up the surfaces and used a new gasket. No leaks after 300 miles...

[TSM3]

Did the rocker cover on my m54 and just used a standard RTV sealant (think it was from Halfords). Applied a bit on the corners of the block (not on the gasket itself). You don't need a lot and don't need to put it all the way around, well that's what the guide said for the M54 and I've not had a problem with it.

[daimlerman]

In effect,you use the silicone to 'glue' the gasket to one surface.The idea is that the next time you remove the rocker cover,the gasket comes with it.This saves the cost of a new gasket every time you lift the cover!

Any £1 tube of silicone from your local B@Q will do the job.

Do make sure that both mating surfaces are spotless,then the gasket will compress evenly and be re-usable for several annual rocker checks.

[Brianmoooore]

No gasket sealant should be needed. If you insist, use it very sparingly. If beads of the stuff get compressed out from the join, and break off inside, they are excellent at blocking the oil pick up filter.

[zd3bx]

A new rocker cover gasket is 10 quid anyway, so unless you take the cover off every weekend for fun, you can just replace the gasket at a low cost, rather than butchering with RTV.