The Brick-yard Homepage Brickwerks
Forum Home Forum Home > LT, Crafter & Sprinter Section > LT, Crafter & Sprinter Tech
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Leaking rocker cover
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Leaking rocker cover

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Leaking rocker cover
    Posted: 21 Jul 18 at 20:41
Hello

LT35 TDi, 2005

I've had a persistent leak from the rocker cover for a few years. Three garages have had a go at fixing the problem, but it has not been cured. The oil drip had become tolerable over time, but the last place I took for a serrvice, the guy started boasting about how he could cure it. It's actually now worse.

I've done a forum search and can find no mention, but is this a known issue with the LT35?

Have I potentially got some other issue with the van?

Or have I just managed to find three bum mechancis?!

Any help gratefully received, as when I took the van back to point out that it wasn't cured, the guy sucked his teeth, took a guess and said the only thing he could think of was machining the head down a bit! At my expense, I presume!


Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 18 at 21:04
Pick up a s/h rocker cover, yours is more likely to be distorted than the head.
Could have been dropped, stood on etc in the past.

I have used this before but if you have a lot of pressure inside the rocker cover it's 50/50.


LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
danstervan View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie


Joined: 19 Jul 11
Location: Caledonia
Status: Offline
Points: 547
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote danstervan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 18 at 15:36
No chance the oil could actually be leaking from a camshaft oil seal, or less likely either of the camshaft end bearing caps?
I use a very small amount of sealer on the outer perimeter of the cam seals and also on the flat mating surfaces of the two end cam caps and head when installing them (outer edges so no sealer gets near cam bearing surfaces or oilways).
I also put a small amount of sealer in the four corners of the cam caps where the gasket rises up over the cam.
Have to presume the garages are assembling the 4 rubbers seals correctly which hold the cam cover down.
Wouldn't be the first time I've seen them assembled incorrectly or with a stud slightly unscrewed and thus losing clamping force on the gasket.


Back to Top
byroad View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 13 Jul 15
Location: norfolk
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote byroad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 18 at 19:56
hi just to add,i had the same prob,with rocker cover off,remove all studs and add some hylomar or similar to the threads,replace firmly,like F/T, cos hot oil can creep up loose studs and find its way out.seems far fetched but it happens ,
old truckers don't die, they get a camper!
Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jul 18 at 18:29
Thanks very much for all replies. I've certainly got some food for thought.

"No chance the oil could actually be leaking from a camshaft oil seal, or less likely either of the camshaft end bearing caps?"

Maybe. One problem I have is that I'm not mechanically minded, so I've only got a vague idea what is being referred to!

This recent guy who had a go at fixing it initially said he thought the leak was coming from a seal relating to a belt towards the front of the engine. He replaced that seal (£50) and the leak was worse.

I took it back and he then said it must be from a seal towards the back of the engine (£70). It's worse than ever now.

I'm thinking of printing this thread out and asking for his thoughts.

Any opinions on a what you'd suggest regarding the fact that it has cost me (so far) £120 for this guy to take guesses and have a go at fixing it?

The fact is, he has made matters worse. I'd never have got him involved but for his claim that the drip was due to 'bad mechanics' and that he could sort it. The oil drip was tolerable before he got involved.
Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jul 18 at 21:22
It will help mate if you add your location and vehicle details to your signature.
Every engine has it's own issues etc.
If you are anywhere near me I'll have a look for nowt.


Edited by AndyT - 23 Jul 18 at 21:25
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 18 at 20:10
Well that is a very kind offer - thank you.

Unfortunately I live in Lancashire, so I won't be able to take you up on that, but the replies have been helpful for me to get an idea of the bigger picture. As things stand I'm favouring printing this thread off to see what the guy says. As far as I am concerned, if he has made the problem worse, then he bears some responsibility.

Thanks again for the offer though, it's very kind.
Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 18 at 20:15
ps my signature doesn't appear to be showing just yet, so here are the details:

Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Sep 18 at 12:57
An update to the leaking rocker cover saga:

I've been to see the most recent mechanic who had a go at resolving it and explained that he had made it worse. He took it seriously and seemed to be interested in resolving the problem. His suggestion was to have a small amount machined off part of the cover so that he could tighten the bolts a bit firmer.

He drew a quick sketch and suggested machining a mm or so from the four 'columns' across the middle section - something like this:


Does this sound like a resonable suggestion?

Also, if I go ahead with this, is there anything else I should insist upon being done?

The seals are only 6 months old - should I get him to reuse those? Or buy others? VW or generic?

I also noted the earlier recommendation about OylStik and I think some kind of suitable sealant (if such a thing exists) might be an idea as well. I took on board the fact that it might not be as effective under high pressures but is it still my best choice as a sealant?

Basically, I'd like to maximise my chances of getting this resolved in one attempt, so any input on that will be gratefully received!

Thank you.


Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Sep 18 at 14:48
You might find that a genuine seal is thicker or more resistant to being squashed so bolts could be tightened more. Not going to cost a fortune so personally I'd fit genuine.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Sep 18 at 13:22
Thanks for the reply, I'll take that on board and seek out a VW seal.

It's more the machining of the rocker cover that I had concerns about. But given that nobody has waded in (yet!) with any warnings about why it is a bad idea, I see no reason why I should not proceed, cautiously.
Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Sep 18 at 14:01
If the machining doesn't work you'll have to buy another, me I'd pick up a used one now.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 18 at 12:16
Thanks for the recommendation, it makes sense.

Last couple of questions, if that is alright : where would be a recommended place to source a replacement rocker cover?

And where would be a good place to get a an official VW seal?

Thanks very much for any help - as you will have guessed I'm nothing like an expert on these matters.


Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 18 at 17:09
I use ebay or amazon most of the time, gasket might be main stealer only.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Oct 18 at 12:50
Just an update for anyone following this thread at some point in the future:

It seems that official VW seals are only available as part of the cylinder head. My local VW dealership told me this and I also contacted TPS (Trade Parts Specialists) who said the same. The cost at either of these is £177 inc VAT.

I'm now considering doing the job 'properly' and giving the mechanic a brand new genuine cylinder head (complete with seal).

Putting aside all concerns about money, is this my best bet for curing the leak?

If the mechanic has brand new genuine parts to work with - and assuming he is competent - what can go wrong?
Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 18 at 15:28
The short version: please can anyone provide any torque settings for fitting a replacement rocker cover? Or know where I could find them?

If the engine details are required, they are as follows:

LT 35 KASTEN3500 MR
80 KW TDI 5G
AVR DDY
LN6J 0000 0000 CT

I don't fancy letting the mechanic loose with a spanner because I think the bolts will all end up 'monkey tight'!

The longer version : A further update.

One of the columns on the rocker cover has broken off. Not sure whether the mechanic helped it on its way or not, but clearly it now needs replacing.


Here's a photo of the engine, for good measure:


After downright lying and saying that he had ordered the part and it would be here on Thursday, (I checked with the garage he claimed to have used and he had done no such thing!) the mechanic is now getting a bit uppity about the situation and has said that although he will fit it, it's not his problem after that. Interesting attitude, to say the least!

So I went and ordered it myself and the replacement part is supposedly arriving next week. The parts dealer refused to provide any timescale until after I had paid, and even then was very cagey about it!

The whole experience has been pretty interesting to be honest. It's amazing just how few people along the line have had the balls to actually take responsibility for their job. But I'm sure that in the pub they can brag-it-up with the best of them about how great they are at what they do!
Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
AndyT View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 16 May 08
Location: Ammanford
Status: Offline
Points: 2274
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 18 at 15:33
Er Technical Manuals.......
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

Back to Top
ADK View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 03 Apr 18
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ADK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Oct 18 at 11:19
Mange Tout, Rodney!

I've got one of those, completely forgot about it!

Thanks for the tip!

But for anyone coming across this in the future who does not own a manual and who doesn't want to spend 15 quid and wait a week for it to be delivered, the recommended torque setting for replacing a VW LT35 rocker cover is 1.0kg/m or 7 ft/lb!


Lancashire
LT35 80kw TDi - 2005
MWB/Hi-top
Back to Top
datty View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 28 May 15
Location: kings lynn
Status: Offline
Points: 9
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote datty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Nov 18 at 22:45
i had trouble with mine and in the end i took the inlet manifold off and greased the rocker cover gasket instead.too many things to catch and you cant check the rear seals correctly.with the manifold off you can place it better cos of the angle
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

The WebThis site