I wonder if you can help me (or rather my brother) who has a 1982 version of the above car. The problem is a rather anoying oil leak which alternates between the mating faces of the rear of the rocker cover and cylinder head and the oil filler cap. When a new oil filler cap is fitted a considerable amount of oil oozes from the rear of the rocker cover gasket. When a new gasket is fitted oil the sprays out of the edge of the filler cap. This happens time after time. The only conclusion I can think of is that there is either a compression problem in the rocker cover or there is a problem with the mating faces of the rocker cover and cylinder head being out of true.

Do you have any suggestions? My brother Phil would be very grateful.
Many thanks
Dean Bruton

I couldn't agree more, these are a real pain in the neck... we have found that the only way to cure the problem is by using only genuine rocker cover gaskets & cleaning both surfaces exceptionally well, make sure they're really clean and dry then apply some "Hilomar" jointing compound and place the seal/gasket on to it then place the tops back into position, do not over tighten, they should be firmly tightened but not to firmly, leave them for a short while before running the engine.

It sometimes take a couple of times for us to get it right, but if you don't over tighten you can re-use the gaskets.

You might also check the breathers on the car, because if they are blocked it will cause massive back pressure and that can and will cause oil to flow from the oil cap and or rocker cover gaskets.

I hope this has been of some help.
Regards
Bill@okdiy.co.uk