oil return tubes on 2.0 six, changed to: not stock, so what do I have? Options

[fixer34]

So while I'm doing my oil line/check valve adventure (almost done-other thread updates to follow..) and have one HE off already, I'm looking at the oil return tubes and thinking that may be part of the leaking issue. I'm able to turn them and it appears they will pop out without too much effort. There is a large spring that seems to be expanding the tube. It looks like I can just compress it and pull the end away from the case, then pull it out of the cylinder head.
Is it really that easy? I looked on the Pelican site and they talk about using vice grips to squash/compress the tube and then get an expandable one to replace it. Are 911 engines different?
I'm assuming there are rubber seals/o-rings on the ends of the tubes that should be replaced? I looked on 914Rubber and didn't see anything. I found some on Pelican, but almost $10 each, and there are 2 per tube. Any alternatives?

[914forme]

I am going to be doing this soon, my plan is to take my time and pull the tubes.

DO NOT CUT THEM!!!!! that will introduce material into the engine that you do not want, hopefully it would not make it into a bearing, but it will most likely go through the scavenger side of your oil pump.

@Rgalla9146 Rory do you have a part number for the Porsche one? I have a bunch of them collected from a friend, but want to make sure I get this correct. Do it once do it right.

Dow Corning 111 on its way to make the o-ring placement easier.

Other trick, is use a couple of hose clamps and then take a pair of E-Clip pliers they have a nice jaw to expand the tubes into final location.

Dow 111

Example of the pliers I referenced, I have this set and love them.. Makes CV repair a breeze, also needed if you work on things like tranfercases, and other axle situations.

On the 914-4 pushrod tubes I used a Loctite product I may use that here instead of the 111. Loctite, this product really helped me get to a leak free type -4. And a Teflon based pipe sealant, I am torn, experience says that those worked great, other people say 111 or even petroleum Jelly will do the trick.

One thing I do know make sure you get the proper Viton Seals, anything else will be gone in no time.

[Mark Henry]

On the 914-4 pushrod tubes I used a Loctite product I may use that here instead of the 111. Loctite, this product really helped me get to a leak free type -4. And a Teflon based pipe sealant, I am torn, experience says that those worked great, other people say 111 or even petroleum Jelly will do the trick.

I quit using the liquid Teflon pipe dope on the T4, I use Dow 55 for O-rings . Dow 111 is likely similar, basically an O-ring grease.