NA '89 rocker cover gasket ... can it be done.

Clutch_101 · Postby **Clutch_101** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:22 pm

Hey there,

I just bought a new gasket for my rocker cover which is slightly seeping some oil. What I want to know is whether its a capable job to do on my own? I got the mechanics manual... thoughts? :mrgreen:

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:30 pm

I haven't done one before, but I seem to recall it's not that difficult.

All you'll need is the gasket (already got), some sealant goo (not sure what type is needed, you'll need to look that one up)

And a decent torque wrench.

Have a read of the manual you've got, it should list the method, and the correct order and torque for the bolts to be tightened.

If not, Miata.net garage should have a guide.

Dweezle · Postby **Dweezle** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:31 pm

You will be fine.

Top tip.
Do not do the 10mm bolts up Monkey Tight. :lol:

Read the manual, Do them up in sequence and not very tight.
I usually just finger tight all round, then starting in the middle nip them up with a small socket without using leverage.

Check for leaks and check tightness after a run and cool down occurs.

Make sure you also seal with silicone where the manual states.

Dweezle · Postby **Dweezle** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:33 pm

Even better.

http://www.miata.net/garage/valvecover/index.html

Another tip, When you google search, always use MIATA instead of MX5.
You will get a far better result. :beer:

Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:49 pm

Yup, easy. Just follow the above instructions.

Your most important things to remember are just not to over-tighten the bolts, as suggested by others. Also, don't drop any crud, tools etc. into the engine like a lot of dealerships like to do. :mrgreen:

Clutch_101 · Postby **Clutch_101** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:17 pm

Brilliant! Thanks guys there sure is a wealth of information on this forum!

I guess any parts store will have the silicon? I'll need some cleaning stuff to get the old rubber off.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:24 pm

Reading the Miata net guide, I have one extra point.

Try not to use the brake cleaner.

When heated (like on an engine) it can produce phosgene.
Phosgene is very toxic, it was used as a chemical weapon in WW1

Granted the cleaner will have evaporated once you install the cover again, the risk is minimal.
But there are things that will clean just as well, which don't turn into nerve gas!

So yeah, instead just use metho or something and a bit of elbow grease.

Edit:
http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

edit edit:
reading it again, it seems argon needs to be present to make it phosgene.
regardless, there's things that don't cause as toxic gases when heated.

Sean · Postby **Sean** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:44 pm

Yep,
Super easy job if you follow the instructions and are somewhat handy. If you do your own plug/filter/oil changes you're more than likely up to this job.
I'd recommend using a high temp sealant/silicone, will cost you a dollar or two more, but wont dry up and go hard causing leaks again down the track.

Might also be worth cleaning up the rocker cover while you have it off too, maybe a polish, or a body colour painted finish?

Postby **NitroDann** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:58 pm

Pam, how are you allowed to run that avatar!!??

I love it.

Dann

Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:20 pm

It's a standard one! Have a look in the avatar gallery. :-D

evil_weevil · Postby **evil_weevil** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:52 pm

Bumping an old thread!!
I'm looking to do this. I know the post is a year old but anyone got any feedback or done this since that can lend some feed back? I've seen that miata link which is good.
What's the best sealant to use brand wise?
I don't have an owners manual though, I should google that to see what I can find haha

Time wise, budget a couple hours seeings as I'm not mechanically minded?

koop21 · Postby **koop21** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:03 pm

Any kind of RTV thats engine compatible is fine, dont go crazy with the stuff either.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Wed Feb 06, 2013 3:53 pm

replace the CAS O-ring too while you are at it.
Make sure you have a hobby knife or just the blade to scrape off and clean any old gasket sealant.
It's a 30min job even if you take it real slow and never done it before. Scraping off old sealant and making the surface nice and clean is the most time consuming part by far.

Tighten the bolts just to "finger tight" or else they'll snap off.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Feb 06, 2013 3:59 pm

Steampunk wrote:Tighten the bolts just to "finger tight" or else they'll snap off.

Or buy a torque wrench and set it to the correct torque.

It's $50 well spent for not leaving bolts too loose or too tight.

Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:06 pm

Brake cleaner and a razor blade is what I use. What I really use is a sandblaster, but not sure everyone has one lying around

I wouldn't recommend finger tight. That's probably why I have seen five this week alone leaking. Instead, grab a ratchet handle, but instead of holding it at the end, hold it close to the socket/ extension.Less leverage that way. You can torque them, but this is fine. Easy as. One quick anality... cam cover, not a rocker cover on an MX5.