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?

[brant]

your tubes with springs are aftermarket
I've never seen that style before... but some aftermarket design that didn't last through the years.

the current aftermarket design works well
so you may want to consider switching over to that

or reuse what you have with the right o'rings

but definitely yours are not stock from the factory style.
brant

[fixer34]

your tubes with springs are aftermarket
I've never seen that style before... but some aftermarket design that didn't last through the years.

the current aftermarket design works well
so you may want to consider switching over to that

or reuse what you have with the right o'rings

but definitely yours are not stock from the factory style.
brant

Well, I may have done them in the late 70's when I had the top end apart, or George/AA did them in the late 80's when I had him do some work on the car. Either way, they certainly have lasted and no apparent corrosion. At this point I don't think I'll "fuch" with them. No leakage from the outer side, and it appears the case/inside only leaks when the tank was draining back into the sump and filling it up.
To my mind, a spring loaded assembly like this would be better than a rigid tube. I'll pull them if it starts to leak badly or when/if I do an engine rebuild. I want to get it back running before the snow flies.