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Subject:Re: Oil leak - 2.1L
From:Dennis Haynes
Date:Sun, 28 Dec 2014 23:54:07 -0500

There is no oil pressure sensor on the right side of the engine. Take a good look and be sure it is not just the rocker cover gasket. These can leak and the oil can roll or be blown above the cover plate making it look like a push rod tube problem. 

If a tube or tube seal the only fix without pulling the head is to use one of the collapsible type tubes. Usually you would just replace the one or two damaged ones. You need to remove the rocker assembly and the push rod of the tube to be replaced.  Inspect the push rods to ensure they are not bent. A bent rod can wear the tube from the inside. Bent push rods are often the result of engine over heating causing the valve to seize in the guide which will bend the push rod. You remove the offending tube by prying it out. Yes it will be destroyed. Installing the new one will be self-evident. Re-install the push rods and the rocker shaft assembly. Be careful the push rods are properly seated in the lifters. If all goes well you should not have to re-adjust the valves. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2014 10:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil leak - 2.1L

The engine on my carat is leaking significant oil on the paassenger side.
It leaks from above the push rod shield under the engine and come out below. Likely one or more push rod tube seals or the oil pressure sensor. I have a new sensor and can replace it easily enough, but the push rod tubes are another matter. The telescoping push rod tube (s) seem to be the thing, but I can't help but question how well they will hold oil and not leak.
Anyone have experience with changing out the seals and tubes with out removing the heads? Shop methods, etc?

Thanks,

John

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