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Date:         Thu, 22 May 1997 10:50:00 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Charles Michaux." <cmichaux@carolinanet.com>
Subject:      Re: pushrod tube fix

Mike,

I think this is good advice!! This whole project could easily become a $1,000 job.

Charles Michaux '91 Wesy (42K) '73 Thing (30K)

---------- > From: Tim Smith <smitht@unb.ca> > To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu> > Subject: pushrod tube fix > Date: Thursday, May 22, 1997 10:33 AM > > Hi Mike, > > > read the oil leak note, take it easy there. To replace pushrod tubes the > heads need to come off. I'd bet you'll also need a new head gasket, $30, > and if the heads are going south maybe a head/2. To get the heads off you > need to take off the exhaust pipes, which may lead to stripped > headbolts/broken pipes if old. Sorry to paint such a picture, but slight > problems could easily triple your bill, and once underway you are committed. > There is no adjustment of the hydraulic valve lifters BTW (hasn't been since > 1978). I hope this mechanic is experienced in wasserboxers??? > > If the oil leak is a real pain and endangers engine life you might consider > the following. Take of the rock covers to get a good look at the tubes. > Degrease them thoroughly with GUNK etc and a tooth brush then figure out > which one(s) leak and where. If leakage is from the (rusted) accordian > pleats you are pretty much beat. > > If it is around ends, past the seals, you MAY be able to 'lengthen' the > tubes by carefully pushing a knife blade in between the pleats and wiggling. > This will push a bit harder against the seals. Do a small bit at each > pleat, not all in one. If the tubes are rusted they may tear/crack! Also, > if the heads are well degreased you can goop around the tube and seal it > onto the head/block. This is not ideal, but may stem the flow somewhat. The > goop will pull off eventually due to expansion of block etc. > > Having said all that, if you only have one or two dead tubes you can buy > split tubes, ~$30/, which are easily installed.... remove valve cover, > remove two bolts holding entire rocker arm/shafts assembly and pull out the > pushrod in the leaking tube. Rip out the tube, clean up seats and install > new seals then the split tube. Then reassemble rockers checking that NO > BINDING has occurred. Do this in your drive, takes an hour or so. Jack the > van slightly on the side you are working on to tip the oil back into the > block. No need to crack the heads/exhaust off, or 'adjust' the valves. No > incidental damage likely either. > > Bye, Tim


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