Rear Engine Side Cover Leaking

[Bob_Blue_BJ8]

The rear side cover on my BJ8 is leaking around the edges. I've had the car for 7 years and have no idea how much prior owners have tightened the side cover, so I'm afraid to crank it down any further. Of course, when I looked for a replacement, I found that you can only get a new center side cover from most places, but no one has rear side cover replacements. You can also get center rubber gaskets but only cork gaskets for the rear. So, two questions: does anyone know where I can get a replacement rear side cover? If not, can I dispense with the rear cork gasket and use something like oil resistant Permatex Ultra Black RTV that might accommodate a slightly deformed side cover?

 

[LarryK]

Auto parts store has cork gasket material you can cut to make a gasket, then use a good sealer with it.

 

[red57]

I'm a little confused. Every gasket set I've had has two cork and one paper gasket for the side covers - the paper one for the front generator mount and two cork for the center and rear. The center and rear are the same size. In fact I (and most racers I know) run a rear cover in the middle for more crankcase venting. So if someone has a center cork gasket, get that and you're set. I jst looked in the Moss catalog and the part numbers for the center and rear cork gaskets are the same. BTW, I like permatex 300 on cork - tough to take apart & clean off, but never leaks. Never tried the rubber gaskets.
Dave

 

[steveg]

You might also use 5/16" bonded or Dowty sealing washers on the bolts.

 

[Bob_Blue_BJ8]

I'm a little confused. Every gasket set I've had has two cork and one paper gasket for the side covers - the paper one for the front generator mount and two cork for the center and rear. The center and rear are the same size. In fact I (and most racers I know) run a rear cover in the middle for more crankcase venting. So if someone has a center cork gasket, get that and you're set. I jst looked in the Moss catalog and the part numbers for the center and rear cork gaskets are the same. BTW, I like permatex 300 on cork - tough to take apart & clean off, but never leaks. Never tried the rubber gaskets.
Dave

Dave, thanks for the info. Now I wonder if the alternative rubber gasket Moss offers for the center cover would also work on the rear? Unless I'm mistaken, a rubber gasket would make a better seal. I actually called Moss before posting this thread and was told the center cover they sell won't work on the rear. The Moss page is pretty confusing. The two center side covers they picture are listed for different BJ8 engine numbers, but have the same part number. Doesn't seem to make any sense. I didn't notice that the center and rear cork gasket part numbers were the same too.

 

[bluegrass john]

I have the rubber gasket and special washer on both the center and rear cover.........works very well if you do not over tighten. Any questions send me a private message.
I found it easier to install by using red high temp permatex to attach the rubber gasket to the cover before installing. Hope this helps !!

John

 

[steveg]

I've had mine in place for 10 or 12 years with no leakage with the cork gaskets sealed with hylomar and nylon sealing washers on the bolts.

 

[BoyRacer]

My experience with the cork gaskets is that they are always a bit small for the job. Nevertheless, I have always used them but I also use RTV silicone on them so they don't leak. Also, a bit of silicone under the washer.

 

[Bob_Blue_BJ8]

Thanks to all you guys! I think I'll try the rubber gaskets with Permatex. By the way, I just replaced my leaking 4 year old cork valve cover gasket with a Gasket Innovations silicone gasket from Moss. No more leaking under my alloy cover!

 

[bluegrass john]

The rubber gaskets are not as pliable as the silicone but I also have the silicone gasket installed on my valve cover so I am aware of the difference: that is where I learned to attach the the rubber with the red permatex. I also ordered the sealing washer and sealing cup that Moss shows in the catalog...........this combination works but a dab of silicone or a soft copper washer may do as well. You will find the rubber thicker and less manageable than the silicone so be sure and center it on the cover before you attach to the engine. I wish the cover gaskets were available in silicone instead of the rubber. GOOD LUCK.

John