Should these be touching? (Pushrod tube and manifold) Options

[mcswiggs]

Hi guys - this is my first proper post and I’d welcome your advice.

I bought my ex-Colorado ‘74 2-litre about 18 months ago and have concentrated so far on a total rebuild of the engine.

The engine is back in and I’ve just completed the cam burn (scary). I’m now left with a couple of oil leaks from the pushrod tubes at the case end, both on cylinder no4. The heat exchanger was a complete pig to fit, and the manifold is actually touching the pushrod tube on No 4. Is this normal?

The tubes are new but are exactly the same diameter as the old ones. I’m thinking of putting a bit of a dent in the tube to give it some clearance passed the manifold. Any suggestions welcomed!

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

of course they should not be touching as previously stated, but years in the past, some of these cars have been hit in the rear, causing the heat exchangers to bend and very impossible to fit. Cannot see the bend until trying to fit then a real bear. Thing to do (you probably did anyway) is to install one heat exchanger at a time, and snug the four metal locking nuts in an x pattern a bit a a time shaking the exchanger a bit for a uniform and tight seal. If it immediately starts to rub the tube, something is wrong with the exchanger.