alloy rocker covers

[sighck]

I've a set of Ford alloy rocker covers and I've fixed the bracket for the alternator. Next issue is the oil filler cap. Anybody that have an idea how to solve this? There is no space between the cap and the firewall. Those of you that have these covers what have you done?

[TVR-Stu]

I have exactly the same rocker covers as you and whilst the cap is close to the bulkhead it is certainly not touching so have not had to make any sort of modification. Have you changed your engine mounts recently? Because I'm wondering if your engine has dropped and tilted back slightly. Only guessing but I'm struggling to think of another reason. You could tell if it's dropped by looking to see how close your sump is to the anti-roll bar.

I've not heard of anyone else having problems but I imagine they'll be along shortly if they have as a few have fitted the alloy covers.

Unfortunately I can't take a photo of my engine for you at the moment because I am away from the car.

[phillpot]

I've still got the old tin covers but did did get rid of that big ugly filler cap.

Soldered a 1" BSP threaded collar to the neck and now have a screw in cap.... clicky

[sighck]

Yes, I've new engine mounts. I've the 50mm from rally design and that might be the answer to the tight fit. I don't have the old mounts so I can't check the hight but if I remember correct the new ones are little higher but not that mutch. Is it easy for you to check your clearance to the anti-roll bar?

I really like your solution Mike, real nice I think I'll copy that

[TVR-Stu]

sighck said:

Yes, I've new engine mounts. I've the 50mm from rally design and that might be the answer to the tight fit. I don't have the old mounts so I can't check the hight but if I remember correct the new ones are little higher but not that mutch. Is it easy for you to check your clearance to the anti-roll bar?

If you've got new engine mounts it can't be that. Its easy to check clearance just by looking under the car at the sump and seeing the gap to the anti-roll bar but with new mounts I'm sure that's not the problem. I can't understand why you've got the issue and I haven't as I changed my mounts with the Rally Design ones too. Sorry!

[sighck]

Yes, I think it can be the new mounts. Since they are a little higher the engine will be higher up and tilt backwards compared with the original mounts

[Barkychoc]

I presume the covers can't swap sides?

[tvrgit]

Barkychoc said:

I presume the covers can't swap sides?

Puts the filler where the alternator wants to be.

[phillpot]

tvrgit said:

Barkychoc said:

I presume the covers can't swap sides?

Puts the filler where the alternator wants to be.

Which is how Ford intended things and why the plug lead clips on the steel R/C's are all in the wrong places


Just thinking something "looks wrong" in Sighcks first photo but, of course, car is L/H drive.

Rather than engine mounts could the gearbox mount have collapsed letting the back of the engine drop?
How much clearance do you have when the distributor is fitted?

Edited by phillpot on Monday 26th November 22:46

[TVR-Stu]

phillpot said:

Rather than engine mounts could the gearbox mount have collapsed letting the back of the engine drop?

That sounds like a distinct possibility to me, and the new engine mounts would exacerbate the problem pivoting the engine back even more.

[Comadis]

if the gearbox mount is fine you can try a 3 to 5mm spacer underneath the mount to change the inclination of the engine.

[Gerald-TVR]

phillpot said:

I've still got the old tin covers but did did get rid of that big ugly filler cap.

Soldered a 1" BSP threaded collar to the neck and now have a screw in cap.... clicky

Doesn't cause a build up of pressure without a vent?

[phillpot]

Gerald-TVR said:

Doesn't cause a build up of pressure without a vent?

No, because a pipe from that rocker cover tees up with pipe A from other rocker cover and feed into a breather catch tank B.

[sighck]

covers swap sides: no than I've to move the alternator to the other side

gearbox mount: also new but that one has the same hight as the original

as you can see on the picture the clearence for the distributor is ok.



I also checked the space to the ARB and it's 18-20mm.

I put the covers side by side and as you can see the oil filler pipe is not on the same position, might give an idea why the engine mounts has an impact



At least we now know what to think about when swapping to Ford's alloy rocker covers

1. Bracket for the alternator has to be modified
2. Oil filler cap can be a problem if not original engine mounts

I'll do as Mike, get rid of the ugly original cap and replace it with something similar to his

/Hasse