Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

If using the cork gasket the correct torque is the torque that will compress the cork to about 70% of its original thickness this varies gasket to gasket depending on the cork stiffness but is around the Lotus specification of 5 ft/lbs +/- 50%. Further compression just flattens the gasket and tends to squeeze it out without improving the sealing. In fact you will find most soft material style gaskets ( e.g. cork, rubber, fibre head gaskets) are similar and are best compressed to about 70% their original thickness.

cheers
Rohan

My DIY nitrile gasket compresses to about 70% of original thickness (varies slightly around the cam cover) with the specified torque.
Malcolm

I use the cork gasket with a thin coat of aviation sealant no.3 on the head side. Use seloc washers with a thin smear of black RTV on them. Never had a leak.

Nuts finger tight until sealant sets then tighten a little
Alan

my solution is quick, no mess AND easy to remove the cover! ................. 1. a thick composite comtec cover gasket, 2. a thick paynell (? - u know what i mean!) cork gasket on top, 3. 8 new copper washers - that's it fellas AND mine works, so yours will also!! we're trying to enjoy the f.... F O G - however: the tarmac is dry sandy ----- anyone else looking into fog?

I checked with my microtorque wrench and they're barely tightened to 1 ft/lb. I may push it to 5 just to see if it stops the largest leak which is from the bolts themselves.

Hello MrBonus
Maybe a frend from you with a lathe, can something like this do for you :


see there too :
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=39020&p=270369#p270369
Cheers Urs