Collapsible oil return tubes

[iamchappy]

After starting my newly rebuilt engine, it developed a huge oil leaks at the oil return tubes by #1 and #3. It appears the seals got all boogered up, the one by #1 was even split. I dont at this time wish to drop the engine and bring it back to the shop that built the engine to fix. I can wait till after it's broke-in or keep the just collapsible ones in if they seem to hold up.

Any suggestions as who makes the nicest product Weltmiester, or the ones our host sells Laso. Weltmiester's are a little less expensive.

[efhughes3]

I can't answer your question on which is best, but I do believe this is one of the areas where you want the "better" Viton (green) O-rings, so they don't get goofed up during installation. The "regular" (red) O-rings are easier to tear.

[911quest]

The one plus side for the Weltmiester is they are a little easier to install then the others

[iamchappy]

The green ones were the one's that got messed up in mine. I know either will work, the Welmeisters looked like they were made nicer, the others look more stock.

[efhughes3]

Jeez, the shop that rebuilt your engine must've really blown thru the installation of the o-rings and or the tubes themselves. After having done mine recently in my build, it would seem you'd have to be really rough or sloppy to tear one of the Viton o-rings.

Maybe the builder didn't take the time to lube before slapping on the cam towers? That seems to me to be the only way you could screw up that many. They take a bit of pressure to push the tubes into the case and the tower, but nothing excessive that would cause harm IF they were lubed. Any other problems with the new engine?

I'd say that I'd at least make the shop install the replacements with the motor in place, but if they couldn't do it right with the engine on the stand with new/clean parts, then what are the chances they'd do it right this time? I'm not trying to sound like a know-it-all here, it is just that I was at this point in my build a couple of weeks ago, so its fresh in my mind.

[iamchappy]

The shop is very reputable, they work mostly on race cars and race and track support. They did have my twinplug distributor clocked 180 out on the first start, and told me the oil was leaking from my hardline to case fitting and sump plate. After I removed my heat exchangers i could see the oil dripping out of the return tube at the head.
The good is the engine sounds great, they started it and ran it till hot for the first session and the next day started it and heated it up again to time it. I towed the car home on the dolly and was going to take it out for it's first break-in spin but saw the puddle of oil under the car and decided i better get to the bottom of this first.
What I dont understand is why they would send the car out of their shop leaking oil like that, you would think they would of made sure the engine didn't leak, after all they built it and charged me 400 bucks to start and time it and diagnose the misaligned distributor they put in wrong and check and recheck compression leak downs by pulling the plugs and adding oil to the cylinders when #1 and #3 were at 70% and 40%. They did improve a little but the engine sat for a year after the build and it had'nt been started yet so after break in I will have them recheck it.

Next time I will be sending it to Supertec!

[patkeefe]

Chap:
I think the one's I replaced on my SC during rebuild were the Weltmeisters. They seemed to have puny cross-section O rings in the slider part, but I don't recall them leaking...just everything else on the engine leaked. I'll send them out to you gratis if you need some.
Pat

[iamchappy]

Thanks Pat, I ordered some this morning I will keep everyone posted on how the car works as soon as the roads clear up.

[Nitrometano]

is important to lubricate the inner o-rings with engine oil to avoid damage. I never had a leak with the colapsible ones. For the outside ones, I use Curil T non hardering compound. Is a light green stuff.

[3.2 CAB]

I know that the ones that I bought through the Porsche dealer in New Orleans, were the Laso type, with the green o-rings. They have been on the engine for 5 or more years, and still not 1 drop from them.