Cam Oil line restrictors are p!ssing me off, they keep splitting the sealing washers!

[jim72911t]

Hey all,
I'm geting close to finishing up the long block on my '72T/high compression E spec motor, but have come across a quite annoying problem. I've ordrered the oil line restrictors from our host, PN 901-105-361-01, as recommended in Wayne's rebuild book. The problem is, I can't get them anywhere near the required torque spec of 35Nm before the sealing washer gets completely crushed and split. I'm guessing this won't be good when it comes to oil leaks in the future. I've killed at least 3 aluminum washers and even a brass washer, all to no avail. The old cam line adapters torque to spec just fine.

My theory is that the new restrictors just aren't manufactured very well, becuase when I compare the new ones to the old ones, the new ones seem to be slightly "cup" shaped at the sealing surface, where as the old ones seem to be perfectly flat. I'm thinking that the cup shape of the new adapters has a smaller surface area and is forcing the sealing washer to spread and split, as opposed to the old adapters, which seem to have a much flatter sealing surface.

I'm tempted to take them to work and turn the sealing surface on a lathe to get them perfectly flat, but I don't want to make them un-returnable, either.

Anyone else have this problem? What I thought was going to be a two minute job has turned out to be a major PITA.

I'd sure like to be driving the thing by spring, but at this rate, who knows!

Jim

[Wayne 962]

Sounds like the new ones might have a lower torque spec. Tighten them up tight using a 1/4 inch socket, and then retighten them if the engine leaks at that point. You only need to tighten it enough so that it doesn't leak. If you're breaking sealing rings, it's way too tight.

-Wayne

[Eagledriver]

Is there a flat area after the tapered area. You may need to use a bigger washer to only crush on the flat area.

[john walker's workshop]

the copper fuel line sealing rings are harder than the aluminum ones, and can be used on oil fittings.

[dtw]

I had the same experience- I just torqued these with a ratchet "by feel". No leaks.

[jim72911t]

Thanks guys. I'll lower the torque on the fittings and use brass washers. You can never be too careful, which is why this board is such a great resource.

Jim

[jgparker]

I agree that this torque just seems too high. It's the same torque as the oil line adapters that go into the case, and on a mag case, it feels like the case will strip-out long before you hit the 24.8 ft-lbs spec. I chickened-out myself on my 2.8 and just stopped at the torque value which felt adequate, which was well short of the spec. The repercussions of striping out that fitting just seemed too high to me.

JP