replacing the oil drain tube between the head and block

[bengalcharlie]

Hi all

Is it possible to replace this rubber tube without lifting the head??
I suspect I have a leak there and have a new drain tube, hence my question.
cheers robin

[sutol45]

Yes.

Apply silicon sealant to both ends on the drain tube and then, feeding the drain tube into the block first, rotate the top to locate in the head, no worries.

The more flexible the drain tube the easier it will be.

[elansprint71]

I did it last year and it was a bit of a struggle. The rubber moulding had some sharp edges and flashing which was carefully trimmed off and also it appeared to be easier to "squash" in different orientations; choose the easiest, if this is the case with yours. I tried heating it up with very hot water and this made it slightly more pliable; as suggested you must use silicon sealant, because when the tube finally springs into position, it is not that tight a fit; rather surprising, given the amount of resistance and fight it puts up.

[elancoupe]

I do believe that one of the members here makes a rather slick part that is made to be fitted in situ.

[peterako]

My local friendly Classic Garage makes a nice handy part for this.

Recently took it off for inspection while chasing an oil leak.

Easy to remove, inspect and reinstall.

Garage is www.classicservicesireland.com

Peter

[bengalcharlie]

thanks all for your replies.
although I have the new rubber piece sitting here to be fitted, I have been contemplating to make something myself using two threaded tubes so you can fit/remove it without removing the head. A collar on both ends with an O-ring and you end up with something far superior than the original piece. Thanks Mike for your advice, glad to hear it is possible although not easy, especially if the engine is in the car! Thanks also Pete and Peter, if you have any pics of this item that would be great, otherwise I will contact them for a pic?
I tried to search for this on our site but I could not find anyone who has made his own.
cheers
robin

[claserv]

Hi Robin.

The piece that Peter is talking about I made up from Polypenco nylon so as not put strain on the head under the expansion and contraction during running conditions. Cant remember if I put pictures on my web site or not . I will check later and if not I will try find one and put it on picturs in Classic Car services Athlone in facebook.

Regards
Paul

[peterako]

Here's Paul's Facebook shot:



Peter

[Fred Talmadge]

On VW Beetles they made a kit to replace the pushrod tubes without removing the heads. I cut one down and it worked fine.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Fast-Fab-S ... ealpro.htm These have a spring, but mine from 30 years ago had a thread with nut you tightened to expand and seal.

[bengalcharlie]

Thanks again Peter, Paul and Fred

I was already thinking along those lines to design something with two threaded pipes in order to fit/remove it without the necessity of removing the head.
Your suggestions will prove food for thought.
cheers
robin