Camshaft cover gasket - renewal

Engine in-car repair procedures / Camshaft cover gasket - renewal

1 Disable the ignition system by unplugging the multiway wiring connector from the distributor; refer to Chapter 5B for details.

2 On models with single-point fuel injection, refer to Chapter 4A and remove the air cleaner assembly from the throttle body, to improve access.

3 Slacken the clips and disconnect the breather hoses from the camshaft cover (two hoses on G40 models). If crimp type clips are fitted, these must be removed using cutters and hence cannot be re-used.

4 Remove the protective caps, then slacken and withdraw the screws and recover the rubber seal and washers (see illustration).

6.4 Camshaft cover screws (arrowed)

Lift off the camshaft cover.

5 Remove the oil baffle plate (see illustration), noting its orientation, then lift the camshaft cover gasket from the top of the cylinder head and inspect it for signs of deterioration or damage. If its condition is in doubt, discard it.

6.5 Showing oil baffle plate over camshaft

6 If the gasket has been leaking, inspect the mating surface of the camshaft cover carefully, as warpage due to over-tighten may cause it to leak.

7 Ensure the mating surfaces of the cylinder head and the camshaft cover are completely clean, then lay a new gasket in position on the cylinder head, ensuring the lugs at the edge of the gasket fit securely over the dowels protruding from the cylinder head (see illustration). Press the ends of the gasket into the recesses in the camshaft bearing caps.

6.7 Camshaft cover gasket dowels (arrowed)

8 Fit the oil baffle plate into position, then lower the camshaft cover onto the gasket.

9 Insert the cover retaining screws with the rubber seals and washers and tighten them to the specified torque. Fit the protective caps over the heads of the screws.

10 Reconnect the breather hoses to the ports on the camshaft cover. Where crimp type clips were originally fitted, fit new worm drive clips in their place.

11 On single point injected models, refer to Chapter 4A and refit the air cleaner assembly.

12 Restore the ignition system by reconnecting the distributor multiway wiring plug.