Peugeot 405 (1600cc 8v Petrol) Rocker Gasket

[JimNotJon]

Hey guys. I have a Peugeot 405 as in the title which I use daily as a run around. Had it about 4 years, cost £500 (64k miles on clock when bought) and just clicked onto 87k. Its been faultless bar a few typical french electric problems and a broken electric drivers window and its passed every MOT with ease. However the past year I have been having problems with the rocker cover gasket. Its started with me smelling oil, and it being put down to this. Got it fixed and all was fine for a few months then it started again. To cut a long story short it went into have it done for the 5th time this year, a couple of weeks ago. The past times its been done with patent parts, but this time we got a genuine Peugeot one, with new bolts for a nice sum of £55!! However.. yesterday I smelt burning oil, yet again its gone. Its sprayed oil down the back of the engine and been blown round the front too partly. Work has been carried out by the same mechanic every time, someone my Dad has known for donkeys years, very competetant. Is he to blame do you think? Or is the engine at fault. I know too little about the workings but is it possible its under too much pressure or the rocker is warped?
Im really reluctant to sell the car or indeed scrap it for several reasons, them being; 1.) Body work is immaculate, no rust, virtually no paint blemishes, its like glass. Has been really well looked after. 2.) I can't afford another car atm 3.) and although it being french, old, not very modern looking in comparison, I like it.


Any suggestions? Because im sick of the money, time and just inconvenience of being without a car when its in the garage. Plus its quite embarresing taking it back for the same reason.

[Kitchski]

I'd say it probably blew first time as you'd expect with wear and tear and was perhaps overtightened or something on the first replacement. Thats the only real reason they ever warp.
Aftermarket and genuine is a bit of a myth. Aslong as it's a quality rubber gasket, A/M will be fine.
I'd change the cover for a replacement and refit a new gasket personally. No point messing around.

As it happens, I have some 1600 8v XU engine parts (including said rocker cover) sitting in my garage waiting for me to do something with them! I'm in Hampshire if you're interested.

Cheers