Herald 1200 rocker cover breather confusion

[Paul H]

Im planing to change my alloy rocker cover on my Vitesse back to original as the club shop neoprene gasket has stretched and leaking 

Paul 

Edited October 26, 2023 by Paul H

[Pete Lewis]

the best part of having an alloy cover is it takes on engine heat better doesn't get cooled by the fan 

and hence does not attract the forming of mayonnaise which you will get with a tin cover especially on short runs 

the old gag in the 70s to stop this was to ,either ,,lag the cover ,make a air flow baffle at the front,  remove the fan 

i just dont see the spout outlet being any problem if you use a filter or hose it to atmosphere

rocker gaskets have over the many years have always been a risk of leak due to poor seal retention or other misplaced 

seals be they cork. neoprene, composite or what ever  its the nature of sealing a nasty tin cover in an oily environment

its not something you need to remove monthly ,maybe not even annually depends on mileages.

triumph tin covers have no gasket retaining lugs or positioning aids  

what ever you use its a high risk leaker design 

the alloy flat face and thin gasket is or should be a better bet 

Pete

Pete

 

[Straightsix]

I have bought the neoprene gasket for when I get around to checking the valve clearances, is the gasket fitted dry or use a smear of sealant.

TIA

[Pete Lewis]

ive always done dry and found the cover comes off easy .

if you stick it then it may shred  on removal 

pete