Well took the plunge today and carried out my first service, oil plus filter, plugs, air filter. Also discovered recently a bad oil leak, so did the rocker cover gasket this afternoon.
The service was fine, noticed some oil in number four spark plug tunnel, and underneath and round the top and sides of the gearbox was covered in oil. Also just above the intake manifold! Air filter a bit manky and the oil filter was knackered, the folds twisted over. Getting the oil filter off was fine really, just used a low profile socket with my ratchet.
Getting the rocker cover off was a bit of a bugger to be honest! Quite a bit to move out the way. Getting the wiring at the front out of the way was a bit of a job, the air con and fuel lines took a while and I had to take the engine lifting eye off the engine to give a bit of clearance.
Got it off in the end after much cursing and sweating (it's been hot today!), definately worthwhile! The old gasket was naffed, it had degraded so much it just fell apart to be honest. Quite a bit of oil to the mating surface on the head over on the left where the leak was.
Got the new gasket on with sealant to the corners and half moons after cleaning it with some degreaser. The easiest part of the job! Also some sealant on the head. Cams and chain seem ok, quite a bit of crud underneath the cover. Popped it back on, then everything back on!
Started second time, no obvious leaks so really pleased. Hopefully if I've done the job properly, I've saved quite a bit of money today. No obvious initial leak either.
I'd do it again if I had too, probably on a cooler day lol. Binned the gloves quite soon into the job as my hands were leaking in them. I'd recommend anyone with the right tools and a bit of time to give it a go!