Rocker cover: functions, service and cost

The rocker arm cover, also known as the cylinder head cover, is an important part of the proper functioning of your engine. It covers the top of the engine and protects the distribution. This also ensures the tightness of the cylinder head. Therefore, the main symptom of a rocker cover problem is oil leakage.

🚗 What is a rocker cover for?

Made of aluminum or composite plastic, cache rocker is the part that covers the top of the engine to protect the various parts that make up your vehicle's distribution system. Also called the cylinder head cover, the cylinder head cover performs several basic functions:

• Water proofing : One of the first functions of the rocker cover is to waterproof the engine to prevent engine oil leaks. For this reason, the cylinder head cover is provided with a gasket.
• Смазка : The rocker arm cover allows the engine oil to be trapped and drained into the cylinder head. Some valve cap models have an oil vapor filtration system for disposal in the combustion chamber.
• filling in : The rocker arm cover is usually equipped with a cover for adding engine oil.
• Subcooling : The rocker arm cover also acts as a cooler as it cools the oil directed to the rocker arm.
• Camshaft support : Typically the rocker arm cover has half bearings to hold the camshaft in place.

🔍 What are the symptoms of the HS rocker cover?

There are several symptoms that can alert you to a valve cover or gasket problem:

• Leaking engine oil ;
• Excessive engine oil consumption ;
• Engine oil sight glass ignited ;
• decrease engine oil level ;
• A crack or crack is visible on the rocker arm cover.

If you experience any of these symptoms on your car, go to the garage to inspect and check your valve cover.

🔧 How to clean the rocker cover?

Replacing the rocker cover is a complex operation that requires precision. In fact, to guarantee their tightness, the gasket and rocker cover must be perfectly positioned and maintained with the correct torque.

Required material:

• Protective gloves
• Protective glasses
• Wrench
• Complete set of tools

Step 1: identify the rocker cover

First of all, you must perform this operation on a cold engine to avoid burns. Start by opening the hood and locate the rocker arm cover on the engine. If in doubt, consult your vehicle's technical manual.

Step 2: Remove the rocker cover.

Once the rocker cover is located, remove all of its mounting screws. Depending on your car model, you may need to remove other parts to gain access to all the screws. With all the rocker cover clips removed, you can remove the rocker cover by pulling it up. Be sure to also remove the rocker cover gasket.

Step 3: Clean the rocker cover.

Now that the rocker arm cover has been removed, clean the top of the cylinder head with grease or brake cleaner to remove any traces of engine oil or other dirt. Do the same with the cylinder head cover, remembering to clean the gasket area.

Step 4: Replace the rocker cover gasket.

Use this step to replace the rocker cover gasket. To do this, simply place a new gasket in place on the rocker arm cover. Be careful to install it correctly, otherwise oil will leak after re-assembly.

Step 5: Assemble the rocker arm cover.

Remove the rocker cover in place, making sure the spacer is not misaligned. Once everything is in place, re-tighten the rocker cover retainers with a torque wrench. Be sure to observe the tightening torques stated in the technical manual of your vehicle.

Collect all the parts you disassembled if you need them. Add oil to the level if necessary. So now you have a clean rocker cover!

💰 What is the cost of changing the rocker cover?

The price of a rocker cover varies greatly depending on its type and model. This is an expensive part that is usually sold only in the manufacturer's networks. So do the average between € 100 and € 300 for the new rocker cover. Added to this is the cost of labor on average about 80 €.

Note : Replacement of the rocker arm cover is rarely required. However, it may be necessary to replace the rocker cover gasket. Count then between € 30 and € 200 It took labor to replace the rocker cover gasket.

Rest assured, go through one of our proven mechanisms to change your rocker cover. Compare the best car garages near you now to find the best price for a rocker arm cover service or replacement!