Pinto Rocker Cover out of shape/sealant needed!

[cjhillman]

I'm getting fed up with the rocker cover on my pinto. Its leaning from the rear and around a couple of the screws in the middle. Towards the front is relatively fine but kinda leaks. I've tried taking it off and bashing it back into shape and not screwing it down to hard... doesnt seem to work.

I've been told if its bent to put some sealant on the inside/stick the gasket to it overnight, then the next day put sealant on the head and stick it down.
Any other pinto users with this problem? I'm going to get a new gasket but not sure what sealant to use?

[slater]

I'd get a cover that's not distorted.

[cjj]

Sounds very similar to most of the Ford engines of the era, where you'd have a cork gasket and it'd still leak relentlessly.

I can't picture it, but is there enough scope to be able to drill/tap around the perimeter to fasten it like a modern camshaft cover?

[nickwheeler]

Have you straightened the mounting flange? They distort around the bolt holes, so I always tapped that flat before refitting the cover. Rootes used bolts with a shoulder slightly smaller than the gasket thickness so you can't overtighten them on a knackered gasket.

Later Pintos have a much more ridgid cover with a wider flange and rectangular washers to further spread the clamping force. They're much better, even with a cork gasket.

Fix it properly, and it won't leak

[drseg]

i'd agree, pinto rocker covers need almost panel beating to get a good sealing flange, got a bit of steel i made to fit into the top of the flange to allow the upturned rocker cover to be tapped flat and then i'd sit it on a piece of glass to see how distorted it was sometimes applying twisting to get it flat, hylomar or equiv get all bolts in and gently tighten and not over tighten i always tightened base before tightening the shaped front section and always managed to get a leak free cover.