Rocker cover removal - remove stud?

m1tch · June 13, 2017, 19:05

Hi all,

Just in the process of taking the rocker cover off to check the condition of the cams and chain tension, I have all the bolts around the edges off apart from the one which is also a stud for the engine cover, there is a 12mm nut on top but it simply won't move. I don't want to force it as it might snap etc, do I need to remove this stud or is it simply part of the rocker cover and doesn't need to be removed? I am guessing I need to remove it as the cover is moving at the front edge but nothing at the back.

shnazzle · June 13, 2017, 19:31

There are 3 12mm (could be bigger, forgot) nuts at the back.
One in each corner and one at the bottom of that engine cover mount.

m1tch · June 13, 2017, 19:38

Quote from: "shnazzle"There are 3 12mm (could be bigger, forgot) nuts at the back.
One in each corner and one at the bottom of that engine cover mount.

Ah, thanks for that I will check to see which ones those are, so far I have removed all the 10mm nuts I can see including the ones holding the various brackets on, there is the stud in the centre which is a 12mm, must be missing a few others - will check it out, the front part of the rocker cover is loose eg is moves but I can see its still attached somewhere at the back.

Will use this Youtube video to help I think:

m https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d6cwjiuPeA m

Carolyn · June 13, 2017, 19:48

The cam cover is all 10 mm headed screws (a couple are nuts) except for the one you mention. Yes you do have to remove it. You don't have to undo anything else. Give it a soak round the base with plusgas.

Use a six sided long socket. Apply steady pressure. If no luck, apply heat to the shaft, as low as you can, with a plumber's torch. Won't need much heat, as it's in ally, which gets hot quickly. You might fry the rubber gasket if you overdo it, but if the cover must come off - it's only a gasket.

It's pretty strong.

m1tch · June 13, 2017, 19:53

Quote from: "Carolyn"The cam cover is all 10 mm headed screws (a couple are nuts) except for the one you mention. Yes you do have to remove it. You don't have to undo anything else. Give it a soak round the base with plusgas.

Use a six sided long socket. Apply steady pressure. If no luck, apply heat to the shaft, as low as you can, with a plumber's torch. Won't need much heat, as it's in ally, which gets hot quickly. You might fry the rubber gasket if you overdo it, but if the cover must come off - it's only a gasket.

It's pretty strong.

Thanks for that, I just checked around the whole of the rocker cover and it seems that they are all 10mm nuts or bolts, just that very last stud/bolt left, will soak it overnight first to see if it shifts it, if not I will buy a torch to heat it up, will get a new gasket on order just in case. Its not my daily drive and decided that I will get as much sorted on the car this week whilst the weather is good.

Essex2Visuvesi · June 13, 2017, 20:32

These are good if you need to warm a small area

Easily obtained from your local Chinese import junk shop or the usual interweb suspects

m1tch · June 13, 2017, 20:51

Might just get a kitchen blowtorch or some sort, can then use it in the kitchen as well, will soak the thing overnight though, I have actually found that the Halfords 'shock and unlock' is genuinely good at removing rusted and stuck bolts, not sure if it will do the same with the stud though so might need some heat.

m1tch · June 13, 2017, 22:26

Managed to get it removed after a couple of hours soaking in WD40 and a slightly longer spanner! Good news is that it all looks good under there, timing chain is still tight between the sprockets s:)

s:)

Carolyn · June 14, 2017, 08:21

Take the opportunity to clean the threads in the cylinder head. If you don't have a 6 mm x 1.5 tap, spray in some WD 40 and work a bolt in and out until it's slick.

m1tch · June 14, 2017, 12:50

Quote from: "Carolyn"Take the opportunity to clean the threads in the cylinder head. If you don't have a 6 mm x 1.5 tap, spray in some WD 40 and work a bolt in and out until it's slick.

Thanks for that, I think I have a tap and dye set somewhere, just moved house so the garage isn't currently the most user friendly in finding tools shall we say! Will also be cleaning up the rocker cover and anything around there including the bolts etc, with the cover off its also easier to get to things like the fuel rail and injectors so will check for leaks/condition back there as well.