Do you have a leaking rocker cover gasket?

We’ve all seen those unsightly oil leaks underneath cars. But if you have a rocker cover gasket leak, it’s more than just an annoying stain you’ll need to clean off your garage floor.

If you have this kind of oil leak it can lead to all sorts of other problems, so understanding what a rocker cover gasket is, and knowing when yours is on its way out, will save you a whole lot of time and money.

What is a rocker cover gasket?

The rocker cover gasket, also known as a valve cover gasket, is a length of rubber or plastic that creates a tight seal between your engine's rocker cover and the engine. It’s a simple piece of hardware that plays an important role in the smooth running of your car.

What does a rocker cover gasket do?

As your engine relies on a lot of moving parts, it needs oil to lubricate them so that they don’t wear out or seize up. The rocker cover and gasket seals the area around the engine cylinder head so that the oil stays where it is and the head stays protected, while also keeping out dirt and debris. It also stops the oil getting into your spark plugs, in some cars.

What happens if your rocker cover gasket is leaking?

The intense heat generated by your car’s engine means the rocker cover gasket can harden or crack over time, so you need to watch out for signs that it’s failing. If you leave engine oil leaks unchecked, your engine could seize up, or even catch fire! Needless to say, it’s important to keep it in good nick.

Common symptoms of a leaking rocker cover gasket

Luckily, there are a few obvious symptoms of a rocker cover gasket that’ll let you know it needs changing.

If you notice an oil leak under your car, open up the bonnet and check where the cylinder head meets the rocker cover - you’ll be able to see if any oil is leaking. Another sign is a burning oil smell coupled with smoke, which happens when the oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold. Keep an eye on any warning lights in your car too, like the ‘check engine’ light and the temperature gauge. Lastly, if your car is going through a lot of oil, it could be time for a new gasket.

Can you drive with a leaking rocker cover gasket?

As oil is essential for your engine to properly function, it’s not wise to drive with a damaged rocker cover gasket, as the further you drive, the higher the risk of engine wear and eventual seizure of its moving parts. The oil can also let off toxic fumes if it leaks into your car’s exhaust system and heats up. This is also a huge fire hazard, as the oil can catch alight if it gets hot enough. It’s really not worth the risk to yourself, or your wallet.

How hard is it to change the rocker cover gasket?

Although replacing a rocker cover gasket is fairly straight forward, depending on the make and model of your car, you could be removing quite a few parts in order to access it. You also need to clean it thoroughly, so it can be time consuming.

Once you have access to the rocker cover, you’ll need to unscrew it, lift it off, and pull out the old gasket from around the rim.

Before you put in your new gasket, you’ll need to be sure that both surfaces it sits between are clean and free of any oil, sealant or silicone. These adhesives aren’t actually necessary for the gasket to function, but can be useful to stop it falling out when you turn the rocker cover upside down to screw it back in place. So make sure you use a blade and some degreaser on a cloth to clean the surfaces off completely, or the new gasket will leak and you’ll be back to square one.

Once the cover and the edges of the base are clean, push your new rocker cover gasket into the groove around the edge of the rocker cover, making sure it’s in tight before screwing the cover back in place. If it’s not in correctly, or if you overtighten the bolts, you could still have leaks and need to do the process again.

As rocker cover gaskets are a bit fiddly, but a relatively inexpensive repair, unless you’re particularly handy it’s a good idea to leave it to a qualified mechanic.

What is the difference between a valve cover and a valve cover gasket ?

A valve cover and a valve cover gasket—alternative terms for a rocker cover and a rocker cover gasket—work together to protect your engine. The cover sits over the top, and the gasket seals the edges so that none of the oil leaks out. Both can cause leaks, as they can split from wear, age, or improper installation, but now you’re a pro you’ll be able to quickly spot any problems!

If you think you need a rocker cover gasket replacement, our trusted technicians are here to help service and replace it for you and get you quickly on your way.