Mike,

I think this is good advice!!  This whole project could easily become a
$1,000 job. 

Charles Michaux
'91 Wesy (42K)
'73 Thing (30K)

----------
> From: Tim Smith <smitht@unb.ca>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu>
> Subject: pushrod tube fix
> Date: Thursday, May 22, 1997 10:33 AM
> 
> Hi Mike,
> 
> 
> read the oil leak note, take it easy there.  To replace pushrod tubes the
> heads need to come off.  I'd bet you'll also need a new head gasket, $30,
> and if the heads are going south maybe a head/2. To get the heads off you
> need to take off the exhaust pipes, which may lead to stripped
> headbolts/broken pipes if old. Sorry to paint such a picture, but slight
> problems could easily triple your bill, and once underway you are
committed.
> There is no adjustment of the hydraulic valve lifters BTW (hasn't been
since
> 1978).  I hope this mechanic is experienced in wasserboxers???
> 
> If the oil leak is a real pain and endangers engine life you might
consider
> the following.  Take of the rock covers to get a good look at the tubes.
> Degrease them thoroughly with GUNK etc and a tooth brush then figure out
> which one(s) leak and where.  If leakage is from the (rusted) accordian
> pleats you are pretty much beat. 
> 
> If it is around ends, past the seals, you MAY be able to 'lengthen' the
> tubes by carefully pushing a knife blade in between the pleats and
wiggling.
> This will push a bit harder against the seals.  Do a small bit at each
> pleat, not all in one.  If the tubes are rusted they may tear/crack! 
Also,
> if the heads are well degreased you can goop around the tube and seal it
> onto the head/block.  This is not ideal, but may stem the flow somewhat.
The
> goop will pull off eventually due to expansion of block etc.
> 
>   Having said all that, if you only have one or two dead tubes you can
buy
> split tubes, ~$30/, which are easily installed....  remove valve cover,
> remove two bolts holding entire rocker arm/shafts assembly and pull out
the
> pushrod in the leaking tube. Rip out the tube, clean up seats and install
> new seals then the split tube.  Then reassemble rockers checking that NO
> BINDING has occurred.  Do this in your drive, takes an hour or so. Jack
the
> van slightly on the side you are working on to tip the oil back into the
> block. No need to crack the heads/exhaust off, or 'adjust' the valves. No
> incidental damage likely either. 
> 
> Bye, Tim