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MG MGB Technical - Trick to using rubber gaskets?

I know there is probably a thread somewhere addressing this question, but I'm putting it out there anyway.
What is the trick to installing the tappet covers when using the rubber gasket rather than the cork version? It seems like the gasket is too small or in the wrong shape and it won't stay in place while I try and bolt the front cover in place. The rear cover went on without any trouble due to the shape of the gasket surface on the plate, but the front plate is a different animal.
Any suggestions?
Cleve

cleve- Try the blue hypar (sp?) silicone gasket maker and glue the new rubber to the 2 plates. Next day just a bit of gasket sealer smeer and the plates hold the new rubber gasket and allow a smooth instal. Careful on over torqing and deforming. Vic
vem myers

I've been told that for a long time the gaskets available were the wrong shape so they won't properly seal the front cover (with the corner cut out). I know, mine leaks!

Simon
Simon Jansen

Get some of these:

http://www.roadstergaskets.com/MG.html

#include <std_disclaimer>
Rob Edwards

Cleve, I've had trouble with both cork and rubber side cover gaskets over the pass many years. On my lastest MGA engine rebuild I went back to the cork gaskets and used a smear of hylomar (blue silicone) to hold the gasket to the side cover before installing them. So far so good. BTW I had an assortment of cork gaskets and found the best fit. I don't know that the rubber ones work any better, I've tried both.

Andy
74 MGB GT
67 MGB Roadster
60 MGA Coupe
Andy Preston

I tried the Blue Hylomar last night and this morning it was still tacky and wouldn't hold the gasket in place.
What I finally did was look through some old parts boxes and find an old rubber gasket. Even though they looked the same, the old one slipped right on the front plate and worked the first time.
Thanks for the advice anyway!
Cleve

Hi Cleve

I build the engines using cork on the front cover, superglue holds the cork in place, then blue hylomar to act as a seal. For the rear cover I use a rubber-type seal which usually stays in place, if not use some superglue, then blue hylomar as a seal.

I also use superglue to hold the cork main bearing cap seals in place.

Peter
peter burgess

As Peter says - I also use the rubber gasket only on the rear cover with the retaining lip.

For the front covers and the rear cover with a flat lip I use the thin cork gasket coated both sides with Hylomar.

Also, use a new rubber seal on the bolt and only tighten lightly or you will distort the cover and cause leaks.
Chris at Octarine Services

Thanks Peter and Chris, I will use the cork on the front the next time I have to remove the covers!
Cleve

The ultimate of course are the one piece alumy covers Doug Jackson invented and markets: MGAMGB.com
vem myers

The "Roadster Gaskets" silicone gaskets are thicker than the ones Moss sells and work much better. They are thick enough to use on both side covers. As a bonus they also send you the portion that is cut out which can be used for various gaskets, spacers etc.

Rich
Rich McKIe

This thread was discussed between 13/06/2009 and 20/06/2009

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