Replacing gasket rocker cover.

[ArjanRS]

Hello, i am new to this specific forum, see my 'new to clipsport' topic: http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?628452-New-Clio-RS-member!&p=8493224#post8493224

Since i am dutch, don't blame me on my english

I got a bad leak on my gasket there, see the picture below.


I want to replace the gasket, because the car must be in perfect condition.
Also placed the question on RTC site, they said it could be very hard to remove.
And when it comes off (before that the cambelt is already off) the camshafts can pop up?

How to replace this gasket in a way that i don't have to much work and problems with it?

Thanks!

 

[mr.pink87]

It's not a real gasket. You need to apply a sealant. Search for the Renault workshop manual on here or drop me a pm with your email-adress and i'll send it over to you. Everything is explained in there.

 

[ArjanRS]

I have the original sealant from the renault dealer here.
Just want to know what problems i face when the cover is off
I'll PM you for the workshop manual!

 

[mr.pink87]

Got mail mate!

 

[Fred@BTM]

7hour job plus you need cambelt kit, cam seals (timing belt end) core plugs (gearbox end) plus you may aswell change the dephaser pulley whilst its apart

and you MUST HAVE the renault only tools to do it

and don't use the renault sealant - its rubbish!

 

[ArjanRS]

You got to be kidding me?
Hmmmm.. Think i have the leak just where it is, and not repair it?

 

[Fred@BTM]

nope we do them all day every day! just remove the bolt that is leaking and re-seal just the bolt, you might get away with it

 

[ArjanRS]

So you think that's only the bolt leaking then?
And not the side of the cover?

 

[Fred@BTM]

take the plenum of and have a look!

 

[MicKPM]

Looks like a bolt leak to me but as Fred said above, you won't know until you take the upper plenum off for an inspection (I bet the dephaser solenoid seal is leaking to).

Take off the upper plenum, clean the entire area then one at a time, undo the cover bolt(s) degrease/seal and replace then see how it goes over the next week.

Mick

 

[ArjanRS]

Thanks all!
Well, the cover is going off no matter what.
I also replace the cambelt set
Some of you know what i need more, like parts to replace?

 

[mr.pink87]

Cambelt kit, Aux belt kit, camshaft seals, crankshaft pulley bolt, dephaser solenoid seal, sealant and all of the special tools. Eventually water pump, dephaser (if broken).

 

[ArjanRS]

What is a dephaser solenoid? Know a lot if english but this... Haha

 

[MartinR]

The dephaser solenoid is that round thing with wire on next to the oil filler cap

 

[ArjanRS]

Got to be a lot of money for the parts!
It doesnt matter, ill run by the dealer today for the parts.

I need a full cambelt kit, with all the new pulleys with it?
Also the aux belt with new pulleys and so?

The dephaser is not broken and i guess the waterpump is recommended ill take that 1 too.

 

[Chip-mk1]

The engine has variable cam timing, this is achieved by having a pulley with an inside that can move relative to the outside, oil pressure from the engine is fed into the pulley which pushes against little paddles and moves the cam. The pulley is known as a "dephaser pulley" as it moves the cam out of phase with the crank.
This oil flow is controlled by the dephaser solenoid which the ecu can open and shut to advance the cam or r****d it (it will sit fixed in only the two positions, its not variable in the true sense)

 

[Chip-mk1]

TBH water pump failures are really uncommon on these engines, you can probably get away with not doing it. Although obviously your choice.

 

[mr.pink87]

For the sake of 80 quid, i'd change the waterpump.
Cambelt kit includes all the idlers/tensioner you need to change. Aux kit aswell.

 

[ArjanRS]

Thanks alot for expaining!

What a mess for only a leak in the rocker cover.. Phieuw

 

[Chip-mk1]

Its a real pain the design of these engines with the cam caps being integrated into the rocker cover, on most engines it would be a ten minute job to take the rocker cover off.

 

[ArjanRS]

Yes that's true!
but with the help of you guys it will be a nice fix to do.
As long i have all the parts..
why do you recommend a new aux belt kit btw?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Yes that's true!
but with the help of you guys it will be a nice fix to do.
As long i have all the parts..
why do you recommend a new aux belt kit btw?

Because as you are taking it all apart there isnt much point putting the old one back on.
If the aux belt fails it can take out the cambelt and write off the engine.

 

[ArjanRS]

Okay!
A lot to do but it's worth the effort.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Its all stuff that is worth doing on any RS clio TBH mate, belt failures are common and there are a lot of poorly timed in cams out there which are losing power etc.

Its really important that the cam timing is done correctly, performance will suffer otherwise.

 

[Fred@BTM]

if its a high milage car then do the dephaser, 80% of the time they start rattling not long after a belt change

 

[ArjanRS]

Just ran 155k!

 

[Chip-mk1]

KMs rather tham miles I assume?

Ie 100K miles

 

[ArjanRS]

Haha yeah sorry, it's KM's!

All parts are ordered for a total price of 404 euro's.
Cam belt set was ONLY 90 euro.. good to hear

 

[Chip-mk1]

Is that all genuine renault?

Have you got access to the proper locking tools to fit it with?

 

[ArjanRS]

Yep, exept de cam belt is not original renault, but motrio.. Here in Holland renault dealers sells also motrio parts.
It's the same exept the name. Same guarantee etc.

I have the proper locking tools, i'll do the job with a car mechanic that has 30 years of experience

 

[Chip-mk1]

Sounds ideal then mate

 

[ArjanRS]

Yes it is.
The man lives like 150 km's away, and i don't think the job is done within 6/7 hours. because we also have to clean the entire inlet system, further more i need to replace the original manifold + kat for a 182 4-2-1 and a sports kat! So i think i have to take the train back haha.

I looked on this site for replacing the manifold ect.
Seeing that the 172 OE comes off via de engine bay.
Placing the 182 manifold is different, gotta take the subframe off right?

BTW, i got more info on this site together then on 2 other forums, pretty nice!!

 

[mr.pink87]

If you want to change the manifold aswell, might be easier to lift the engine/gearbox out => easier to change the cambelt and enough space to fit the manifold without dropping the subframe. Might change the clutch aswell on 155K Km.

 

[ArjanRS]

Sounds like a good idea!
The clutch is pretty good tho, picks up at the exact right moment and is strong. So no need for that