Push rod tube seal leaks, sealant or not?? going to do mine second time and dont want leaks! Options

[DRPHIL914]

I was very careful last time with this, followed the directions of the late Captn,
just used oil as lube and slipped them in place. some leak some don't,

many say no sealant some have used RTV - looking for more advice so I don't have to do this again

Phil

[914_teener]

I was very careful last time with this, followed the directions of the late Captn,
just used oil as lube and slipped them in place. some leak some don't,

many say no sealant some have used RTV - looking for more advice so I don't have to do this again

Phil

Use the viton seals....listen to the Captn.

[DRPHIL914]

this is what I just got in, the Viton seals. I am hoping for a better result, the motor is out so it should be a lot easier to do this time around. Looks like I will then be doing the valve settings for the first time myself too so any advice would be good.

[1adam12]

this is what I just got in, the Viton seals. I am hoping for a better result, the motor is out so it should be a lot easier to do this time around. Looks like I will then be doing the valve settings for the first time myself too so any advice would be good.

These are the references I used to do my valve adjustment.

Pelican Tech Article
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/9...alve_adjust.htm

YouTube 'Type 4 Valve Adjustment' this is on a VW bus fyi
https://youtu.be/thxE4Sroxm0

[McMark]

I have some Viton X shaped orings that I've been trying out. Want a set? PM me your address.

[DRPHIL914]

I have some Viton X shaped orings that I've been trying out. Want a set? PM me your address.

sure!

[Elliot Cannon]

Works fine. Lasts a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Mblizzard]

I did this a couple of times. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) But in addition to the Viton seals I learned that having everything perfectly clean is a must.

Probably does not help but I apply the seals to the tubes then freeze them. Minor reduction in size at best but they seem to go in extremely easy and I think reduces the chances for damage to the seals because you don't have to use as much force.

[914Sixer]

I oil both the seals and the hole. I use a socket (14 or 15mm ?) to gently push the tube in. If they are seated correct they will feel like they are vaccum sealed

[DRPHIL914]

i wanted to pulle the tin pieces under the cylinder heads anyway as i have newly cleaned and painted ones an there is quite a build up of dirt and oil there so its a good opportunity to clean things up . i am hoping i will be able to keep it clean for a while.

thanks for the suggestions- not sure if i will put any sealer on the large side or not- i might do one side with and one side without, see what happens-
i assume that is red rtv Elliot?

[vw_porsche]

I use Viton seals with some high performance Permatex thread sealant. Part #56521.
Apply a little on the seals, then slowly push the tubes in.
I spin the tubes half way back and forth looking in with a flash light to be sure the seals are not pinched. Seals very well.

[injunmort]

i use a thin smear of hylamar. havent had any leaks on the 3 i have done.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

no sealant!!! Just use the Viton seals and a bit of motor oil or lithium grease so they slide in easier. One the Viton are installed you should not have to replace them again

I was very careful last time with this, followed the directions of the late Captn,
just used oil as lube and slipped them in place. some leak some don't,

many say no sealant some have used RTV - looking for more advice so I don't have to do this again

Phil

[malcolm2]

no sealant!!! Just use the Viton seals and a bit of motor oil or lithium grease so they slide in easier. Once the Viton are installed you should not have to replace them again

I have put 41K miles on my engine since 2013. I am chasing some oil drips, but not from the push-rod tubes. Being a fresh re-build everything was clean as Blizzard said. And I lightly lubed them since the break-in oil was close at hand.

Not hearing why folks recommend no sealant, but sounds like both groups have had success.

[914_teener]

Works fine. Lasts a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Although Elliot is proud of this......the Captn would have some choice words.

[Dave_Darling]

But in addition to the Viton seals I learned that having everything perfectly clean is a must.

Clean and smooth--make sure there are no lips or nicks or ridges in the bores for the seals to snag on.

--DD

[Mblizzard]

Works fine. Lasts a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Although Elliot is proud of this......the Captn would have some choice words.

Choice indeed!

The oil ring is a simple solution to a hugely complex problem. Keeping a good seal while tolerating huge thermal variances and pressure swings that occur inside an engine is a not a small feat.

It only takes a small imperfection for this system to fail. But adding sealant (especially silicon) like the Dr. says is a bad idea as it just creates potential problems. If a small part breaks loose you would be very lucky if it made it to your oil filter. if it loges in a small oil passage or restricts oil flow you are in for some serious damage.

I would rather replace the oil tube seals for leaking than an engine because I used the wrong sealant in the wrong application.

[914Toy]

Works fine. Lasts a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Although Elliot is proud of this......the Captn would have some choice words.

Choice indeed!

The oil ring is a simple solution to a hugely complex problem. Keeping a good seal while tolerating huge thermal variances and pressure swings that occur inside an engine is a not a small feat.

It only takes a small imperfection for this system to fail. But adding sealant (especially silicon) like the Dr. says is a bad idea as it just creates potential problems. If a small part breaks loose you would be very lucky if it made it to your oil filter. if it loges in a small oil passage or restricts oil flow you are in for some serious damage.

I tried all the above. Eventually bought new tubes and with the above advice,installed them - success!

I would rather replace the oil tube seals for leaking than an engine because I used the wrong sealant in the wrong application.

[DRPHIL914]

But in addition to the Viton seals I learned that having everything perfectly clean is a must.

Clean and smooth--make sure there are no lips or nicks or ridges in the bores for the seals to snag on.

--DD

I think that since some leaked and some did not it was my installation or lack of proper installation that was the issue, I am hoping second time will result in no leaks
- is crank case pressure and ventilation an issue or cause of leakage as well?

[Mblizzard]

But in addition to the Viton seals I learned that having everything perfectly clean is a must.

Clean and smooth--make sure there are no lips or nicks or ridges in the bores for the seals to snag on.

--DD

I think that since some leaked and some did not it was my installation or lack of proper installation that was the issue, I am hoping second time will result in no leaks
- is crank case pressure and ventilation an issue or cause of leakage as well?

There is always some pressure in the engine case due to blow by and the hurricane of pressure changes that occur every 180 degrees of rotation. Over time, these things take advantage of the small flaws in the seal like dirt or nicks and give birth to leaks.

If you have enough pressure in the case to cause a well seated seal to fail then you have much more serious issues that need to be addressed!. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blowup.gif)