Push Rod Tube Seal Leak Options

[collinvon]

Looks like I found where all the oil has been coming from. I cleaned the engine as well as I could with a degreaser, ran it for 5 minutes at idle, and was able to spot a substantial leak coming out of the push rod tubes:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23207-1560976029.1.jpg)

I'm going to tackle this project this weekend. I've found some good older articles that mention it can be done without dropping the engine, but might have to replace the seals on a couple without fully removing them.

I'm going to replace the valve cover gaskets, adjust the valves for the first time, and I'll being doing the first oil change since I've had it. I've heard Valvoline ZR1 20W-50 is a good oil to use, and I can find it locally. Thoughts?


Aside from ensuring I don't damage the seals on reinstallation, and thoroughly cleaning everything, anything else I should keep in mind, or try to tackle while I'm in there? Any other tips and tricks are much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[iankarr]

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If you've never done pushrod tubes before, I'd recommend dropping the motor. There will be a fair amount of blind wrenching, cleaning and head scratching geometry and if you're unfamiliar with how it all goes together, you'll have an easier time and learn more with the engine out. It will also give you an opportunity to change the oil cooler seals, do a full cleaning, and see if there's anything else that needs attending to. Also, if the PO used a sealant in the bores, it will be difficult to fully clean them while under the car.

In addition to the viton seals, spring for a set of new tubes. They're not expensive and you'll know they're all round and not dented (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

Good luck and be safe!

[collinvon]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
If you've never done pushrod tubes before, I'd recommend dropping the motor. There will be a fair amount of blind wrenching, cleaning and head scratching geometry and if you're unfamiliar with how it all goes together, you'll have an easier time and learn more with the engine out. It will also give you an opportunity to change the oil cooler seals, do a full cleaning, and see if there's anything else that needs attending to. Also, if the PO used a sealant in the bores, it will be difficult to fully clean them while under the car.

In addition to the viton seals, spring for a set of new tubes. They're not expensive and you'll know they're all round and not dented (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

Good luck and be safe!

Thanks for the great info. I have some viton seals on the way. I'm hoping to avoid dropping the engine for another couple of months, if at all possible. I plan to drop the motor, change all the seals/wearable parts, and see if anything else needs repair/replacement this fall while I repair some hell hole rust spots.. I will definitely be replacing the tubes themselves this fall as well.

If I have too much trouble, it looks like it's not too terrible to get the engine out. Getting it back in the first time is what is a bit more intimidating to me.

That being said, if it can be done with the engine still in, what is the best product to clean everything up with in there?