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What is the rocker cover gasket?

At CarFix Garage Car Mechanic in London , we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for the customer. We have a fantastic reputation. We’re known for being one of the friendliest garages in London who deliver the highest standard of customer service. That’s why London local drivers are so quick to recommend our diagnostic checks. 

CarFix Garage Auto Repairs, your trusted partner for comprehensive car care solutions.

At CarFix Garage, we understand the importance of your vehicle’s performance and safety, which is why we’re committed to providing top-notch repair services tailored to meet your needs.

We are expert in diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, and technical problems in all types of vehicles, regardless of make or model.

Our team of skilled technicians is equipped with the expertise and knowledge to handle all types of car repairs efficiently and effectively. From routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations to complex engine diagnostics and electrical system repairs, we’ve got you covered. 

Besides, we also perform additional checks on related car components to ensure optimum road safety.

The rocker cover is the metal or composite cover on top of the engine that covers the rocker arms of the engine's cylinder head. The rocker cover gasket is sandwiched between the rocker cover and the cylinder head preventing oil leaks by sealing the two parts together.

What does a rocker cover gasket replacement involve?

There will be different requirement of the process depending on the engine manufacturer, but the basic requirement is similar as follows;
  • Mechanic will inspect the rocker cover and the gasket.
  • If necessary, the mechanic will replace the rocker cover gasket.
  • Mechanic will clean the rocker cover.
  • Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
  • Mechanic will run the engine and check for any leaks.

Can I do a rocker cover gasket replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a rocker cover gasket replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. CarFix Garage can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the symptoms of a bad valve cover gasket?

As the component is simple, there are only a couple of points to look for;
  • Oil seeping out between the rocker cover and the cylinder head
  • Oil evident in the spark plug or injector wells
  • Oil burning smells from the top of the engine

Rocker cover gasket leak symptoms:

  • There is oil on the upper part of the spark plugs. This is usually detected when the spark plugs are being replaced, in which case it makes sense to have the rocker cover gasket changed at the same time. 
  • Oil is leaking from the cover on top of the engine or you see oil on the ground below your car.  
  • You notice a burning oil smell when the engine is running. This happens when oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold, which creates smoke. 
  • Oil usage increases unexplainably. In extreme cases, this can also cause the oil pressure indicator light to come on. 

How long does it take to change a rocker cover gasket?

A rocker cover gasket replacement typically takes 1.5 hours, but times can range from under 1 hour to 4.5 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through CarFix Garage.

How often should I replace a rocker cover gasket?

If there is only a very small, damp oil area around the gasket, it may just need tightening down. However, anything more than that requires the rocker cover gasket to be replaced, and this should be done as soon as possible as it will only get worse.

How common is a rocker cover gasket replacement?

As every car pretty much has one and it is subject to expansion and contraction as the engine goes from cold to hot and back again, the most common cause of engine oil leaks is the rocker cover gasket.

How much does it cost to replace a rocker cover gasket?

Prices for a rocker cover gasket replacement range from £135 to £410 with an average cost of £110. Ultimately, the cost of replacing the rocker cover gasket depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your rocker cover gasket replaced by CarFix Garage by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Can I drive my car with a leaking valve cover gasket?

If you suspect there is any issue with your vehicle's valve cover gasket or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic with immediate effect. Driving the vehicle with a leak from the valve cover gasket may lead to further complications and damage, a fire hazard may develop if oil leaks onto hot engine parts.

Is a leaking rocker cover gasket an MOT failure?

While the rocker gasket cover is not checked during an MOT, any sort of leak that is excessive will result in an MOT failure. It's best to find out the source of the leak and get it fixed by a qualified mechanic.

How long should a rocker cover gasket last?

Rocker cover gasket can last between 50,000 - 100,000 miles but can sometimes wear out prematurely and will start to get brittle.

Is a valve cover gasket leak serious?

A valve cover gasket leak can be serious because it may allow oil to drip onto the engine which can cause permanent damage if the car continues to be driven without repair. In worst-case scenario, it can also cause a fire.

What is the rocker cover gasket?

The rocker cover gasket is located between the rocker cover and the top of the cylinder head on an internal combustion engine. Its purpose is to seal the top of the engine so that oil and coolant do not leak out, and to prevent dirt and debris from entering.

What happens if rocker cover gasket is leaking?

If the rocker cover gasket is leaking, the engine can lose oil and may eventually overheat also burnt oil smell comes inside the cabin and engine bay.

Why does a rocker cover gasket leak?

Simply put, rubber, which most rocker cover gaskets are made from these days, doesn’t like constant exposure to oil and heat. Over time, it can either shrink or become brittle, which can cause oil to leak. 
While a little oil leak seems minor at first, a leaking rocker cover gasket can lead to bigger problems and costlier repairs if left to its own devices. Oil leaks can damage the drive belt, for example, or parts of your driveway when dripping on the ground. In the worst-case scenario, an oil leak could even lead to an engine fire! 

To prevent this from happening you should have your rocker cover gasket replaced as soon as you notice any of the symptoms below. 

Hence, stop searching for ‘rocker cover repair near me’ and visit us today at Unit 4, 30-100 Colindeep Ln, London, NW9 6HB.

CarFix Garage are the leading experts in automotive parts repair including tyres, MOT , car servicing, collision repair and more. To find out more about rocker cover repair in London NW, contact us online here or call us directly on 020 8200 8181

We specialise in bumper repairs, car dents and scratch repairs. We've repaired over 30,000 cars. Fast repairs and conveniently with CarFix Garage in London. Get a quote!

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