Rocker cover gaskets R & R

[flatchat(Chris)]

LS engine rocker covers removed and stripped down for some "alterations" ---
Now, the "reuseable" silicon gasket has grown about 2" and won't bloody fit.
From our learned collective here, is there a secret way of contracting said gasket --short of cutting and reattaching
:idea::idea:great ideas sought ?

 

[Jac Mac]

Sure its not that Chebbie thathas shrunk rather than the gasket expanded...

most silicones expand when exposed to oil/fuel etc.. try washing silicone plug leads in petrol & watch them expand!!!, then leave em out in the sun & they shrink right back, I wonder if you washed/soaked the gasket in fuel & then set it outside in the sun it might help since the oil wont evaporate..

 

[flatchat(Chris)]

Ooooh! I didn't know Chebbys shrank:worried:
Thanks Jac -- on the money as usual ---by thoroughly degreasing every thing and drying off , a fair bit of perserverance managed to stuff them back in place -- quickly bolt them on so they don't pop out again. phew!