Cam Cover Hits Cam Bearing Studs

[Mudmouse]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice -
When I removed the cam cover from my big valve to rectify an oil leak from the rear of the cover by the cam bore seal, I found than when putting the cover back without a gasket it hits two of the bearing studs (one each side in the centre) allowing it to rock front to back. The gap at the centre being about 0.8mm between the cover and the head.

I had planned on fitting a Cometic gasket which I think would not work with this clearance as it is only about 0.9mm thick.

Whilst a cork gasket (which was originally fitted) is about 3mm thick I am concerned that the cam cover should not hit the studs even without a gasket.

Has anyone come across this before?

Steve

[nmauduit]

first thing that would come to mind is these 2 studs : can they be not screwed down enough before having torqued the caps or could they be too long ? you may want to check by how much more than the others they stick out, if they look different... one can remove a camshaft stud one at a time without problem (using to interlocked nuts if it is sticking in its bore), but if you have to retap the thread make sure you take all precautions not to send metal shards into the head (e.g. be cautious if planning to use compressed air).

[2cams70]

Whilst a cork gasket (which was originally fitted) is about 3mm thick I am concerned that the cam cover should not hit the studs even without a gasket.

Do yourself a favour and use a cork gasket. The best ones to use are the QED ones as they are a sandwich construction with cork layer either side of a metal reinforcement as per original Ford specification material.

If you are at all concerned check that the cam cap locknuts and washers underneath are all standard height

[elanner]

Do yourself a favour and use a cork gasket.

+1.

And be aware that if you get the cam cover too close down onto the head you increase the chances of the timing chain rubbing up against it.

Nick

[oldelanman]

I would also check that the cam cover is not warped if it's been tightened down while fouling the studs.