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[Wayne]

Hi again

went out for a short 20 minute drive today, had to dump an old washing machine at me local tip
came back and still noticed a smelly rubberish, or oil type smell coming from drivers side vent below the bottom of the windscreen while the bonnet was shut
i cant really explain the actual smell as we dont have smelly vision  
another thing is that SOMETIMES after my car has been sat there for a few days, if i go on a short journey and then Park up, there seems to be a fine mist of steam coming from the bonnet, when i open it up you cant really see it that well or where its actually coming from........ anyone have any idea on WHAT this is?
its really worrying me as i do have to use my car
im doing an oil change and coolant change in a few days, but not sure IF thats gonna change anything

IF its the rocker gaskets and breather system, anyone know somebody in Oxfordshire or wherever that can do this for me, of course they will paid whatever

thoughts?

[Dazzler]

Does rather sound like the rocker cover is leaking oil onto the manifold.

[hotrod222278]

Does rather sound like the rocker cover is leaking oil onto the manifold.

I'd go with the gasket too, just had mine replaced. Now i can actually smell the air-freshner.

[Darth Loo-knee]

Hi again

went out for a short 20 minute drive today, had to dump an old washing machine at me local tip
came back and still noticed a smelly rubberish, or oil type smell coming from drivers side vent below the bottom of the windscreen while the bonnet was shut
i cant really explain the actual smell as we dont have smelly vision  
another thing is that SOMETIMES after my car has been sat there for a few days, if i go on a short journey and then Park up, there seems to be a fine mist of steam coming from the bonnet, when i open it up you cant really see it that well or where its actually coming from........ anyone have any idea on WHAT this is?
its really worrying me as i do have to use my car
im doing an oil change and coolant change in a few days, but not sure IF thats gonna change anything

IF its the rocker gaskets and breather system, anyone know somebody in Oxfordshire or wherever that can do this for me, of course they will paid whatever

thoughts?

Not a Massive job to do yourself mate  

[Wayne]

guys i aint being funny, but noi way in hell im bodging the rocker gasket change up!

will leave it to someone whose experienced with cars

anyone want to do it for me?

im doing my oil change and coolant on Saturday, im very proud! lol

[TheBoy]

guys i aint being funny, but noi way in hell im bodging the rocker gasket change up!

will leave it to someone whose experienced with cars

anyone want to do it for me?

im doing my oil change and coolant on Saturday, im very proud! lol

As said previously, I am willing to give you guidance - I'm in all day tomorrow.

[Wayne]

hi mate

guidance is fine for my coolant and oil changes and very much appreciated, but probably not for rocker gaskets, im getting someone to do that, not even gonna risk it

[blue222]

Could be warped rocker covers. They're plastic and £81 each.

[ians]

most likely blocked breathers and blown cam cover seals.   Covers should only be warped if they have been over tightened (eg by someone trying to stop them leaking ).

Is James still doing his mobile mechanics job?

[Wayne]

£81 EACH

your kidding me?

[blue222]

My breathers were fine. Rocker covers are prone to warping. Any number of new gaskets won't cure the problem.

[blue222]

£81 each, Wayne. £382 for my local (rural) Vx dealer to check breathers, replace rocker covers, seals and o-ring set.

Cured.

By the way, a larger Vx dealer quoted about £500...............

[Wayne]

how much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did u have the same problems as me then?
horrid smell and a slight mist of stream occasionally appearing from under the bonnet?

i dont even know HOW or WHY this has happened to my car, its hardly used, only done 60k on the clock, had full service history, regularly maintained, oil changes but probably not had coolant change and flush EVER  

[blue222]

No, mine's got 100k, had no steam but lots of smoke at traffic lights from both sides of bonnet. quite embarrasing...

Here's the invoice...

[TheBoy]

My breathers were fine. Rocker covers are prone to warping. Any number of new gaskets won't cure the problem.

This appears to be a myth spread around by dopey mechanics.  They do not appear to be prone to warping, and I have never seen a warped one.  They may well warp if some dopey mechanic does them up too tight to try to bodge a leak (8Nm is what they are supposed to be).  Pattern gaskets appear troublesome as well.

Genuine Vx Gaskets, clean breathers, and 8Nm torque wrench cures these issues...