Oil Tubes - Solid or Expandable?
 

On a total rebuild, what's the consensus on which type oil tubes would be best to use - the Solids or the Expandables?

The expandables come in a Pelican kit - all the needed tubes and rings...the solids are purchased seperately. That would seem to imply the rebuild should have the kit, but from the pictures I see of the rebuilds, most use the solids.

So, what's the preference and why? please.

thanks!
jim

I used solids. One or make that 4 less joints to fail.

Solid - why not? Even tho the expandables don't leak, why not go for the cleaner look?

Go solid. If they ever leak in the future they are easy enough to replace with expandables.

Used solids on my rebuild.

Solid = lighter, cheaper, less chance of leaks. It's a no brainer.

If I have them, I use solids for three (for the reasons given by others), and a collapsible for the one nearest the oil pump scavenge outlet fitting (nearest #3 cylinder). That way I can always get a wrench conveniently on the fitting and its attachment if something needs tightening or to be removed (like the oil line) between teardowns.

Walt Fricke

I used soilds when I rebuilt my motor.

The book I have says there is no real advantage to either. It seems it is a matter of preferance.

I agree that the solids have less places to leak than the others.

Just a thought but your rebuild did come with new collapsible ones so if you dont want to buy soilds dont.

The only disadvantage of the solids is the fact that you better not forget to install them before you slap the cam housings on. I was glad that my buddy had collapsible tubes when we did his top end. ;)

My pal had bought some nice turned collapsible Al tubes. I think they are made by Weltmeister. The best looking part I have seen come from that company to date. They may be worth looking into ...

George