The magna TP has been leaking oil for some time from the "half moon" plug under the rocker cover (picture describes it best!).
Over a period of 4 month's, about 1.5 litres of oil has trickled out.


No gasket sealant is visible on the rocker cover gasket except at this plug.
With so many different gasket goo's, what is the recommended product for this application?


Shop suggested Permatex Ultra Copper Maximum.
There also was Permatex Ultra Black (seemed more targeted for oil sealing applications but at lower temperatures).


http://i.imgur.com/iVNGF7H.jpg

How the rocker cover is sealed has many opinions because they warp
and only two bolts to hold it

from factory new no sealant is required

as the engine ages

I use permatex ultra blue on a new half moon
and if persistent I go to gasket goo -brown

when the half moon reaches... rock hard... it needs to be replaced

If the half moon is leaking it wont be long before
the cam seal near the water pump starts leaking

Cam seal tip
it needs two seals
you place the old seal inside of the new seal then tighten down

I use Permatex High-Temp RTV Silicon Sealant and more recently the sensor-safe variety as here: http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/gasketing/gasket-makers/permatex-sensor-safe-high-temp-rtv-silicone-gasket-detail

I don't coat the whole surface of the half-moon rubber plug, just a dab at each of the two top corners.

Incidentally, I no longer buy rocker cover gaskets separately but whole vrs gasket sets. They cost less than twice as much but include many useful bits. As well as head gasket and rocker cover gasket, you get the half-moon plug, a camshaft seal, water pump o-ring and gaskets, inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets, a set of valve stem seals, gaskets for exhaust manifold to exhaust pipe join and much more. The sets I've been getting via eBay from Ringwood Auto Parts in Vic. (seller nrap) cover both efi and carby in the one set. They don't have them currently listed on eBay but I paid $45 + postage for the last set.

thats a handy permatex link ...... and lots of info

http://www.permatex.com/products/product-categories/gasketing/gasket-makers

I used Ringwood Auto for first gen stuff ..never a problem

I already bought a new gasket (was $14) but it seems, from the above, that I would need a new half-moon plug as well.
I wonder if these plugs can be bought separately?


I'll keep an eye on the cam seal at the opposite end of the rocker cover, and meantime hunt for a complete kit to redo the job when that starts to leak.
Will email rob@ringwoodautoparts.com.au to see if they still sell these kits.
http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/s.gif

The Permatex Ultra Copper Maximum is their highest temp gasket maker and sensor safe - so it seems I should try that one.

if you have it on your shelf go with it ... Ultra Copper


early years this part may have have a separate part number

this motor is the only mitz engine fitted .with a half moon

The half-moon cut out was probably a left over from the astron 1 design, as the PCV hose fits there!
The Ultra Copper is still on the shop shelf, its about the same price (slightly more!) as the other Permatex gasket maker products.

This was the response from Ringwood Auto.
"Those sets were made by ACL who have since gone out of business. I dont keep the half moon seals any more either. And both of my gasket suppliers dont keep them either.
But could get them in ..Would take a few days and the freight would probably be more than the price.
Only options I have for the VRS Sets..
G torque VRS Set to suit your model.. $52
There is still stock of the Monotorque ACL VRS Set $109
Which is a better set than the ACL Ezyfit Sets that were $45.(Cheaper version)
The G torque sets are the best for the price these days."

The plug certainly doesn't feel soft and rubbery, so it seems prudent to get a new one.
One option is to order a VRS and a half moon for combined postage (if they do that!).
Any opinions on the G torque VRS set?

The local Repco store had just one half moon plug left on the shelf - its called "cam end seal".
Lucky me, last one and it was at a clearance price of $2.39.


I'll install it as per coldamus suggestion.

Thanks for posting that comprehensive reply from Ringwood Auto Parts. I've been thinking I should buy another VRS set to keep on hand. I've never seen the G Torque VRS set so not sure what the quality is like or what is included. I think the rocker cover gasket sets I used to buy from Repco included the half-moon rubber. That might explain why they cost $32 while you paid $14.

If you buy the G Torque VRS could let us know if its any good.


I use Repco as a parts supplier of last resort, as sometimes their prices are inflated when compared to the local competition.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pajero-Magna-Triton-2-6l-4G54-Engine-Genuine-Head-Gasket-VRS-Kit-PN-4152791-/301687180072?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item463df50b28

I cant find enough information on the G torque VRS gasket sets to say yes or no

not even an online web site or catalog

never heard of this gasket maker Endurotec .. $54

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-Magna-TM-TN-TP-TR-TS-Triton-ME-MF-MG-MH-VRS-Gasket-Set-G52B-G54B-/281619475336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4191d42b88


I have used pro torque

(They are made just a few suburbs over from me in an industrial shed)

first gen magna page 445

http://www.burpengaryautospares.com.au/shop/downloads/gasket_catalogue_garr.pdf

If you buy the G Torque VRS could let us know if its any good.

Will do but I just lost a windscreen so that is first priority now. I heard a small rock hit the screen on my way to Tamworth but there was no damage apparent at the time. When I came back to the car after leaving it in the shopping centre carpark, a horizontal crack had developed, starting from the driver's side and extending about 80mm. On close inspection, the impact point is a small indent less than 10mm from the edge of the screen. The crack has now extended to about 250mm long, right across the line of vision. It detoured a little and met up with a previous chip that I had patched with a DIY screen repair kit, so may not spread any further. However it certainly won't pass a roadworthy.

If the weather ever warms up again, I will use the rest of the repair kit on it but am sure that won't be successful. Temperature here at 8.30 am is 0.5 degrees (feels like minus 7.0 degrees).


I use Repco as a parts supplier of last resort, as sometimes their prices are inflated when compared to the local competition.

Ditto.