[paul.adshead]

Heh guys, how simple/ otherwise, is it to replace the rocker cover gaskets on a GEMS?
Is it possible to do it with the upper-manifold still on, or does that need to come off?
Cheers

 

[RRToadHall]

Much easier than Bosch. Not at all possible with intake brick in place. Officially you are suppose to remove the tray of trumpets, which is no big deal because there is no gasket on GEMS. Zi never take them off. What you do need to loosen, not remove is the fuel rail no need to touch the back two rail nuts that also secure the coil pack. You just need a bit of flex to get to the inboard 12 point bolts on the valve covers. Be careful not to loose the metal doghnut spacers in in each bolt hole in the original rubber gaskets. They are your guide for tightness of the bolts when installing the new gaskets. sealing goop is not required but wont hurt if used sparingly.

 

[chris no 10]

For the sake of a few hoses and half a dozen bolts it’s got to be much easier if you unbolt and very minimum lift the plenum and throw a few bits of timber under, can’t say I’ve ever tried doing with the plenum on as I’m normally replacing after head jobs, but I would say it’s tricky very least if it can be done.
you want to make sure the gaskets are nicely seated and not tucked in anywhere, even removing the plenum it wouldn’t take long to do them.

 

[RRToadHall]

If by plenum, your mean the intake brick, you will never get 1/4" drive 12 point socket in there or be able to loosen the fuel rail. If you mean the trumpets there is lots of room without removing that assembly. the brick is only 4 bols if I remember correctly and it also gives you a chance to clean the carbon build up off the intake buttery fly, IAC and TPS which can all be done in place with the brick removed.

 

[P39]

I'm about to undertake the same task (and clean up the covers at the same time as they are peeling and look a bit rubbish) - if anyone knows the correct size of the Torx(?) socket for the fasteners I'd appreciate it - mine are a bit "fluffy" with age, and I can imagine getting the wrong size and rounding them off will cause me a whole host of new and exciting problems :wink:

 

[Richard_G]

They are 8mm, 12 point or bi-hex as some people call them. Normally larger sockets are 12 point, the smaller sizes are 6 point so you might have difficulty finding them. I went to a tool supplier and asked for a 12 point, 8mm socket and was handed a 13mm with the comment that it should be close enough......

 

[chris no 10]

I bought a few 8mm sockets ( 12 sided , 3/8 drive ) on ebay, i got the deep ones, they work perfect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverli...036870&hash=item3d6ec7a690:g:PbsAAOSw4klbYdBc

even cheaper

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-2...301279&hash=item3623228ffb:g:jo4AAOSw5RRajRPo

 

[RRToadHall]

I bought my 1/4 drive, 12 point sockets off the shelf from Sears. If you still have a well stocked Sears in your area, you might give them a try.

 

[Richard_G]

We don't have Sears in the UK and from the look of this, http://uk.businessinsider.com/sears-closing-stores-list-2018-1, you won't for much longer either.

 

[P39]

Re the socket size, perfect guys, thanks very much :thumb: