[Engine] Rocker/cam cover, oil leak?

[Wakou]

Hi folks some advice/reassurance please!
My 'lingo has failed the MOT, but only on minor issues. Exhaust (in hand) And
"Oil leak"
Now the car has always had a minor weepage, I even got a small discount when I bought it in 2015. None of the mechanics who have worked on the car have insisted that it needs urgent fix or that it is a potential MOT fail.
But! I will hose it down and try to cure it.
(I think/hope that it is from the rocker/cam cover)
Now on Ebay I am presented with a bewildering array of different gaskets, all of which look different from each other.

 https://tinyurl.com/js695tdv
But digging deeper, I think I need:
( CITROËN part #'s)  0249.95 (upper), and  0249.97 (lower).
Does this seem correct?
But! A  you-tube mechanic, whose vids I have used before, and found to be good, uses just an instant gasket sealant.
What do you recommend? Using the parts or just a sealant?
If I use the parts, do I use a sealant as well?
What sealants?
All replies warmly appreciated!
Ps  here is the vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btqmuH3oVLQ


My car is a 2005 1.9 Van,
VIN number VF7GB WJYB94 182523

[Wakou]

Bump! xxxx

[pluggit1]

What degree of leak is it and how is it visible - a nice few drops an hour and puddle overnight or next to nothing. Where does it show itself, just from the sump-pan or off the exhaust. is it more the left or more the right side of the block. Dont just go for the rocker cover, it may be from the oil pump/filter/cooler or the turbo oil-feed pipe. You need to narrow it down. De-grease it with cleaning fluid and as an old-timer I would avoid steaming and high-pressure washing - it does more harm than good. Get it nice and clean/dry then start looking around for oil runs.

Dry gaskets such as caulk or silicon dont need any additional adhesive unless specifically stated. Liquid gasket IS your gasket.

Give that a go and get back to us.

[geoff]

I had a 55 plated 1.9 van a few years back and when I tried to sort the rocker cover leak I found out that the top cover gasket was available to buy from motor factors and eBay but couldn't find the bottom gasket anywhere.
The main dealer spares dept told me the only way to buy the bottom gasket was to but a complete engine set - expensive !

I used automotive " liquid " gasket on both joints.

Best method is to apply a thin and regular sized bead of sealant all around the engine joint then let the stuff stiffen up a bit by waiting a while ( check specs on whichever product you purchase ) then put the casting in place, fit the securing fasteners and finger tighten them. Come back later when the gasket has cured and nip the joint a bit more with a spanner or whatever tool is required.

You use a small bead of sealant to prevent sealant spread, too much sealant can break off internally and block up oilways !
Of course it is also a t*at to clean up when it squirts onto the outside of your engine and of course your hands.

Last time I rebuilt an engine ( two years back ) I used " Elring Dirko " from a pressurised cannister, better than the mastic gun type dispensers as it can be sealed and reused much later - my Dirko cannister still dispenses two years later. Not cheap but it is good stuff.

[brodfather11]

It can be confusing , I found some rocker covers used gaskets and some didn't . If the cover has a groove in it it uses gaskets if not then sealant , same with the bottom cover.

I use Wynn's Black Gasket Maker , not cheap but does a great job and like GEOFF I found it lasts for years.

[Wakou]

Thank you all so much! This is not my "area of expertise"!

[Wakou]

What degree of leak is it and how is it visible - a nice few drops an hour and puddle overnight or next to nothing. Where does it show itself, just from the sump-pan or off the exhaust. is it more the left or more the right side of the block. Dont just go for the rocker cover, it may be from the oil pump/filter/cooler or the turbo oil-feed pipe. You need to narrow it down. De-grease it with cleaning fluid and as an old-timer I would avoid steaming and high-pressure washing - it does more harm than good. Get it nice and clean/dry then start looking around for oil runs.

Dry gaskets such as caulk or silicon dont need any additional adhesive unless specifically stated. Liquid gasket IS your gasket.

Give that a go and get back to us.

Literally a 1/10 leak! I have NEVER had to top-up oil between (irregular) servicing! Nor is there, on the driveway or on the street where I have parked it for years, any sign of a "leak" (I used to own British motorcycles, and even popping to a shop, cafe or pub, they would leave a "sign"!). Today I gave it a jolly good wash....... I'll post some pics soon!

[Wakou]

Should I post pics directly here, or link to an "album"?

[geoff]

Post direct to here

[Wakou]

After many hours of 'research' some years ago, I learned that there are two gaskets. One upper and one lower (see my original cry for help!)
" CITROËN part #'s)  0249.95 (upper), and  0249.97 (lower)."
I bought one three years ago, and just recently bought the other.
But!
a) They seem to be the same
b) Neither of them look like they would fit on my weeping top-end!