return tubes
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From: Gemantown, TN
I replaced mine on my 84 several years ago and it was probably one of the simplest thing I ever did on any Porsche. First, get the collapsable tubes. Second, crush the old tubes w/pliers or whatever (cutting them could get metal in the oil) and pull them out. Third, expand the new tubes into place. IIRC, they extend and then lock into place. Oh, I suppose it might be smart to drain the engine oil first. If anyone's done this recently and remembers any "gotchas" I have forgotten, please chime in.
Bob
Bob
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: omaha,ne
i replaced the oil return tubes on my 911sc this year.and ,yes, very doable by the owner.but beware of the gotchas.(some 911's require removal of the exhaust manifold,aka,heat exchangers) if you break an exhaust manifold stud off,well *&#*,you may be laying under that 911 for many hours.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: GARDEN GROVE CA
Be sure to use Dow Corning O-ring lube on the seals. Do NOT under any circumstances use RTV. Some guys think they have to seal the O-ring to prevent leaks. Wrong. The O-ring has to move with expansion and contraction. Good luck.
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Michael S. Palmer
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Joined: May 2003
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From: southern California
Use a couple of hose clamps to help get a bite to slide them in. The o-ring grease works much, much better than oil, which gets scraped off the metal by the o-ring. On my 84, I had to take off the left heat exchanger to get to the front one. Make sure you can get it off before you crush that tube!!!
There's no easy way to slide those suckers in. You need screwdrivers and a lot of f***ing around with them till they go in.
There's no easy way to slide those suckers in. You need screwdrivers and a lot of f***ing around with them till they go in.
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From: TX
Re: return tubes
There is supposed to be a great tech article on replacing return tubes on this board.
Lots of good articles there.
When I replaced mine, I used the Porsche, vs aftermarket, as others had told me of varying success with some of the aftermarket tubes. And just to reiterate ad-nauseum, don't use silcone sealant! Silicone grease/paste is what you want (Dow and 3M are two names cited in the article).
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Asheville, NC
A trick I used to ease the process of sliding them apart for reinstallation was to heat them up in the oven to about 150 degrees. They slid apart so much easier then. Other than that, it was a very easy job, but I only replaced my passenger side tubes.
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 107
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From: Los Angeles
I agree as to the lube issue, I used white lithium and the tubes went in fine. Also, I also recommend using a hose clamp when installing the tube as it will give you something to push on in order to get the seal to seat. And don't use RTV, the guy who owned my SC previous installed factory tubes with RTV and they leaked like a Harley (no offence bike owners).
I installed my tubes in a couple of hours with the wheels off and the car jacked up, I did not remove the stock heat exchanger or muffler, the only problem is that you will be soaked in oil so have pans, towels and rags ready to catch as much as you can.
I installed my tubes in a couple of hours with the wheels off and the car jacked up, I did not remove the stock heat exchanger or muffler, the only problem is that you will be soaked in oil so have pans, towels and rags ready to catch as much as you can.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7
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From: Atlanta
One thing to consider when installing the new tubes. You want the thick end close to the middle. This is so that the oil will run back to the engine easier and less chances of a leak.
I did three on my '85 3.2 without removing the heat exchangers. I could not get the front drivers side - wasn't leaking so no biggie.
The book 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 has a great section on this. It was written by Wayne Dempsey (ISBN 0-7603-0853-5)
Hope this helps...
Don
'85 3.2
'98 Volvo T5
I did three on my '85 3.2 without removing the heat exchangers. I could not get the front drivers side - wasn't leaking so no biggie.
The book 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 has a great section on this. It was written by Wayne Dempsey (ISBN 0-7603-0853-5)
Hope this helps...
Don
'85 3.2
'98 Volvo T5