I didn't think it was necessary to make 2 threads so here we go.

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With the transmission oil lines that go to the radiator, is there any specific method to removing the bottom line as it's something I do not want to break and can't go to a breakers for a replacement. If it were to break, are there any alternatives such as putting a rubber hose in place and clamping it down etc?

My other question is the valve cover gasket. A lot of the ones I can find say they are for 96+, is there a difference for the pre-96 gaskets? I've had a look on the 94-96 parts catalogue but can only see the one that says 96.

As for brands, the ones readily available to me are AJUSA, Blue Print, Fel-Pro, Crown Automotive and then unbranded. This one in particular seems to have good reviews and comes with the o-ring style seals too:
My current situation is a slow oil and coolant leak which both seem to be slowly increasing in rate. Thanks for reading.

 

I believe 95 and down have a cast aluminum valve cover and 96 and up are stamped steel. The gaskets will not interchange. I only use fel-pro gaskets on my stuff and have never been disappointed. As for the transmission line there is a special tool for disconnecting the Quick disconnect fitting. They look like this. Hope that helps.

 

Pretty sure the VC gaskets are the same between cast and stamped covers. Stamped uses stoppers built in to the grommets/bolts and the cast cover has stops cast in it. Other then that, the gasket should be the same. I put one on my buddies 94 from my 99 felpro gasket kit.

For the trans line, yes you can remove the OEM fitting and use rubber hose instead. Just more of a chance for it to pop off since you are getting rid of the "lock".

 

Go to Oreillyauto.com. Search for a valve cover gasket on an earlier and later model. Are the part number the same. I like to use the expensive ~$40 gasket from Fel-Pro. It holds it's shape when installing unlike Cork and seems to be re-usable.

Lisle disconnect kits will have all of the disconnect tools that you will need.

 

For my 95, with an engine from a 94 XJ, I used Fel-Pro VS50522T and it fit nicely and has worked beautifully. I paid a little over $30 U.S. from RockAuto.com and feel it was worth every penny.

 

Thanks to the previous replies, much appreciate your input.

I used Oreillyauto.com before and found the gasket part number that PatHenry has just said he used. Unfortunately for me I can only find 2 online in the UK currently and they are about £60. I'll have a search around later when I get home and try to find some others. In comparison I just ordered a new radiator for a little under £80.

 

It looks like RockAuto does international shipping. Is this something where the fees and import costs make it absurdly cost ineffective to ship to the UK?

 

Possibly. I'll start looking online, I may find some on eBay with pre-paid customs charges like my gearbox solenoids had.

 

Well eBay didn't turn much up and I don't fancy an unexpected customs charge so it'll just be easier to get the one in the UK even though it would be approx $77 equivalent. A friend of mine was given a customs charge for some Corvair parts that was higher than the cost of the parts + postage. Why didn't I just stick with my Fiesta? (Cherokee > Fiesta)

 

If you are inexperienced with mechanical gaskets, then I recommend a rigid gasket like the expensive Fel-Pro. A cheap Cork gasket and a liquid gasket can work, but are more prone to leaking because they are difficult to seat/seal well.

 

Expensive Fel-Pro is good for me. Cork gasket and sealant works fine on the old VW aircooled rocker covers but they sit in a groove and are no more than a foot long. I've got added extras from my LPG system to fight against doing this so a quality rigid is the way forward. Do the job once and all that.

 

Okay. It is just really expensive for you. I thought that it was expensive from $30-$44 locally. It seems egregiously expensive there. I meant either cork dry or a liquid sealant that hardens. You can use a schellac at a few points with cork to hold it in place. I'd do that in your case because the nice one is go awful expensive for you.