Hello All, sorry if this is a stupid question, but I could not find anything on this in the threads.

I have a 603 engine, and wanted to know if the cam cover gaskets had to be replaced each time the cover is removed?? I would like to measure chain stretch and my replacement gasket's a week away in the mail.

From the external appearance it seams to be a sturdy rubber-based material, but does it fall apart on removal, any trick or problems??

TIA

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Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)

Depends on condition but there 's nothing to say you have to put on new ones. The older it is the more likely it is to leak after R and R.

Thanks, I have never cracked a 603 open and wasn't sure, and at this mileage, I'll be opening it more and more as a routine check process....

__________________
Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)

i'm a bit mixed up. if you want to just take the v/c off it has nothing to do with the cam cover unless we are playing name games. if you mean the
v/c then you do need to replace the gasket.
never use silicone seal on engines.

george

George,

Thanks for the info. I am referring to the top engine cover, a long L shaped cover that would presumably uncover the cam. My MB Ser. Manual calls it the Cylinder Head Cover. Is this the one that IS resuable?

I just undid the bolts and it won't budge, almost as if it were glued on, but I don't see traces of glue. The rubber lip is pliable all around and the gasket looks in great shape, assume PO recently changed it, anyhow, it won't budge. I've tried light rapping on the cover sides with a rubber mallet, and some slight probing with a razor blade between the rubber gasket and head, but nothing.

Is there some secret to getting these off, or should I expect to have to trash the gasket in the process of removing the cover??

Thanks,
Bill

__________________
Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)

If the gasket is in good condition, you can just clean it up, give it a quick wipe with some isopropyl alcohol, and reuse it. Unfortunately, if it's in good shape, that means it's going to be really hard to get it off the cylinder head, and the chances of nicking or damaging the seal go up.

I would try finding something that won't gouge the head, and pry underneath the gasket at one corner. Once you get the seal broken, it should be pretty easy to lift up the rest of the cover. Also, be careful you don't bend or warp the cover as you're trying to wedge off the gasket.

you might be in a differant situation but i would never reuse a gasket. don't need no returns. but up to you. yes they get stuck. i just tap on the cover with a rubber mallet. usually takes care of it.


george