Ed Hughes

There are literally thousands of the 2 piece tubes in service. They work well and are your only option without pulling the cam towers, which is semi-major surgery.

whalebird

Ed's right. Pulling the exhaust is a good idea and can be cumbersome on older cars. the two-piece models are good. I would also say that carefull cleaning of the sealing surfaces and a nice coat of silicon paste on the new o-rings is mandatory for the job to be a effective.
Silicon paste(Dow 111) is a must-have in any 911 tool-box.

Ed Hughes

One thing I'd recommend, if they fit the two piece bits, and I'd assume they'd be the same size- is the green Viton o-rings on the ends. They are much more resistant to tear or abrasion when pushing them into the holes. Viton o-rings are tops.

KILRWAIL

I ran with one of these for about 7000 km with no problems - then rebuilt the engine for other reasons.

ron mcatee

FYI, there are 4 oil return tubes on 911's, not 2.

rusnak

Yup, green o-rings are usually made of viton, and will last longer than rubber.

I clean my engine and transmission semi-annually with some water soluable degreaser such as Purple Power, then rinse immediately with a pressure washer. I like to stay on top of oil leaks.

whalebird

The green o-rings are all I've ever used and have seen them last for years (with 2-piece tubes) and tens of thousands of miles. The space the oil return tubes occupy is a rough environment, you want to use all the best available materials and methods. It's really easy if your commited to taking the exhaust off and while your in there...

ivangene

do you scrub it with a brush too? - I have stayed away from the harsh cleaners like this - but if rinsed well... maybe worth doing - I saw someone suggest mineral spirits??? -

lastly (since we are a bit OT)
any places to avoid spraying water.. (dist cap for sure...but what else?)

rusnak

great questions.

Never wash a hot engine first off. I am not a Simple Green fan because it leaves too much residue and takes too long for my personal preferences. I think a safe way to approach it is to rinse the engine and tranny first, then spray the Purple Power with the concentrated stream setting, then rinse with the pressure washer, on the low setting if you have a gas-powered washer. If you have a ton of build up, then you might start with a brush, then go with light scraping with a plastic spatula.

On the top side, I never use the pressure washer or any harsh cleaner. I actually use dish washing soap, rags, and a garden hose. If you're cleaning the thermostat area to replace the o-ring, then some electronic parts cleaner, paper towels, and finally rubbing alcohol with clean rags usually does it for me.

ivangene

Great advise!

Now to track down a DIY o'ring replacement oil thermostat thread as I have that to tackle, maybe my first hands on job !

I do have a gas powered press. Washer, will take pics when I do it!

Norske

HUH,

Ain't no pushrods in a 911.

rusnak

You're talking about the '86?

Get the green viton o-ring and an oil pressure switch. We can talk you through the steps, and you'll have it fixed in no time.

murphyjp

All good advice, thanks. Regarding the cleaning, what's the best way to get clear access? I know many have lifts etc, but I do not. Put the car on jack stands? Seems the whole process would be cumbersome at best without the car on a lift.

ivangene

wetsuit, ski goggles and car ramps

just kidding, though I plan on using car ramps, the 996 would not go on them... too low

Thanks rusnak, will do!!

rusnak

I use jackstands, and take the rear wheels off.