rocker cover

[Tezm8]

I was wondering if I could just change my current rocker cover which is silver with groves on the top and in my opinion not as nice as the original BMC green ones could I just buy a BMC green one and fit it straight to my engine? my car is a 1960 but the engine is OHV 1098cc. thank you in advance for any advice

[Tezm8]

[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Of course you can! And I agree - these rocker covers are ghastly.......

[Chipper]

Indeed. That appears to be an MG Metro type slanted rocker cover. The pressed steel type will fit straight on, but beware not to buy an overtightened one, as it will leak at the seal.

[mike.perry]

At the risk of starting another argument you need a rocker box with a vent pipe
Nothing wrong with an alloy rocker box[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Vented YES, alloy NO!

[alexmcguffie]

Any A series cover will fit and obviously its personal preference as to what you fit. I have one with alloy, one without so as not to offend anyone!

Alloy covers are stiffer so are better at creating a seal. As an example, the original Lotus twin can engine had a plain alloy rocker cover but eventually went to a ribbed cover for inproved stiffness and hence less leaks. If you are worried about leaks, use Wellseal on the gasket and it'll be fine.

[philthehill]

Nothing wrong with alloy rocker covers but it is all down to personal taste.
Some of the alloy rocker cover with the tuners name on them i.e Downton/Alexander/Speedwell are now worth a fortune.
If you want chav get an original metal rocker covers sprayed in faux carbon fibre .
Mike
May I suggest a 'T' piece in your breather pipe and connect the rocker cover breather to the 'T' piece. That way you will account for all or any engine fumes. Halfords do a nice 90 degree plastic bend suitable for 1/2" hose so you do not have to have a great big loop. Halfords also do the 'T' piece.

[Chipper]

I would say that the vent pipe isn't strictly necessary, dependent on the engine and whether or not the existing crankcase ventilation system works properly or not.

I have an alloy rocker cover on my MG Midget 1275cc engine without a vent pipe, and haven't noticed any excess oil consumption or fumes, etc.; it has the little crankcase ventilation canister at the front of the engine with a hose going to the carb.

[Tezm8]

thanks for the advice guys really appreciate it could some one please direct me to smewhere where i can buy a good quality one from? i would rather keep away from ebay if its possible thank you!

[Boomlander]

thanks for the advice guys really appreciate it could some one please direct me to smewhere where i can buy a good quality one from? i would rather keep away from ebay if its possible thank you!

I have a vented rocker cover in the shed if you are interested - PM for details.

[bmcecosse]

The original pressed steel rocker cover is lighter, and perfectly rigid enough to form a seal...mine doesn't leak at all! And please - no bodger gasket goo!

[mike.perry]

Mike
May I suggest a 'T' piece in your breather pipe and connect the rocker cover breather to the 'T' piece. That way you will account for all or any engine fumes. Halfords do a nice 90 degree plastic bend suitable for 1/2" hose so you do not have to have a great big loop. Halfords also do the 'T' piece.

That was an earlier photo, as it is on a 1275 engine that breather pipe has been plugged and a pipe from the canister to the filter valve fitted. I did try a T piece but it was no more successful at reducing the oil flow from the back of the engine than the standard system