Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 12:06:46 -0700
Reply-To: Brad Anderson <BAnderso@STARBUCKS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Brad Anderson <BAnderso@STARBUCKS.COM>
Subject: Re: Replacing pushrod tubes
Content-Type: text/plain
I'm a newbie too and I just did the same job. How I wish I had the help of
this group then, instead of learning the other way.
I'm guessing the tube you got wasn't really collapsible or spring loaded.
Mine were, but my problem was that the good folks at the Bus Depot didn't
inform me to order the seals also, which is rather important. (Not their
fault, I just wish they offered it as a kit.) Luckily, my local dealer had
the seals.
Anyway, installing the tube amounts to cleaning the mating surfaces on the
block and the head, placing the seals on the tube ends, compressing it,
placing into position (it only goes in one way) and releasing the
compression. It is a bit difficult to hold the tube and keep it compressed
and all, but you'll figure it out. Just avoid bending the ends of the tubes.
The important part of the job, I found, is replacing the pushrods and rocker
assembly so they seat well . Make sure that the rods don't fall off the
inner seat (help me with the part name; valve-something) while you are
tightening the rocker assembly. Also, unless you know what you are doing, do
not readjust the adjustment screws on the rocker arm like Bentley tells you,
or you may bend a few pushrods (like I did). Since you are only replacing
the tube, valve adjustment isn't necessary (I was informed of this later).
Don't forget to replace the valve cover gasket when you put it all back
together.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
BA
87 dripless Vanagon Syncro
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Keese, Brian W [SMTP:bkeese@INDIANA.EDU]
> Sent: Thursday, June 17, 1999 11:34 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Replacing pushrod tubes
>
> Group:
>
> Please help the newbie. I recently bought an 84 Westy (1.9). I runs
> fine,
> everything pretty much in order (the AC and fridge even work pretty
> well!).
> I did notice a small oil leak at one of the pushrod tube seals, though.
> Well, I have been lurking, reading, studying the Bentley, etc and I
> thought
> to myself, "No problem. I can pop the pushrod tube out, install the tube
> with some new seals and, voila, no more oil leak!" So, following the
> instructions in the Bentley, I removed the pushrod tube shields, the valve
> cover, rocker shaft and pushrods. Pretty easy. I found myself at the
> part
> where you "remove the pushrod tube with a screwdriver or a pair of
> pliers."
> I tried the screwdriver. Thing obviously needed more persuading. I took
> out the pliers and with some, but obviously not enough, caution, proceeded
> to instantly mangle the tube. I thought to myself, "!@#$! This was not
> what I had in mind, but at least I can order a collapsible tube from the
> Bus
> Depot and pop it in. You can put it in with the engine in place, right?"
> Of
> course, my reading was "you can put it in with the <head> in place." So I
> ordered it, thinking "No big deal. I don't like that I just wasted $20,
> but
> what's done is done and soon I won't have that oil leak." The tube came
> yesterday, and it obviously won't go in without removing the head.
>
> My question: Before I start tearing things down, was I just dreaming, or
> are
> pushrod tubes available that can be put in without removing the heads?
> Where can I get such a thing? I am just not in the mood for a head job
> right now. {Blast away}
>
> Brian Keese
> Soon to be leakless (and for now, nameless) 84 Westy
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