Tracing down an oil leak....questions

[MGN54]

Hey all,

Have had a pesky oil leak on the passenger side. Got out there and hoisted her up on a jack stand to survey what is going on. Couple of drops of oil on the two lower valve cover nuts toward the front. Snugged up all of the valve cover nuts and continued to explore. Found out that the passenger side front oil return tube may be suspect. Noticed that the other three had been replaced with the "slip joint" versions before I bought the car in 1995, but this one had not for some reason. Anyway, moved it a little and it would turn easily and move inward and outward a bit. (Hope I haven't really sprung a leak now. ) Is this normal for a oil return tube to move that freely?

I have a valve cover set ready to go if needed but what about that oil return tube issue?

Thanks,
Mark
Belton, Tx

[91C2wrencher]

54, it helps if you share what year your car is. Then maybe you can get some good feedback on what/where to look.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Mark,

Belton? That is not too far from me... I work in Whacko.

I am not able to turn my oil return tubes. I would suspect this is a point of leakage. I learned the hard way prior to the board not to overtighten the nuts on the valve covers. All the experts tell us that the torque listed is sufficient, and they are right. Do you need to do a valve adjustment? You can drain the oil, raise the rear end, remove the lower valve covers (this depends on the year as to how easily you can access), and adjust the valves. Take time to inspect that the headstuds are not broken (very easy visual test I have, unfortunately, experienced). You can then put in the new seals and nuts. Replacement of the tube with a collapsable one can be done fairly easily at the same time. Lower the car and do the intakes. Probably a good time to put in new plugs also.

I'm sure other people (with more knowledge than me) can steer you in better directions also. Keep tuned in...

[MGN54]

Doh! Car is an 88 model. Yeah, I figure that I am going to have to replace that return tube. Fortunately the drivers side is nice and dry....for now. Got the battery on a charger right now and will spin 'er over later and peak under there with fingers crossed but have a feeling what I will see. Never done a valve adjust. Used to do them on my 914 but a little hesitant about it on the 911.

Mark

[tmctguer]

i would be careful "turning" your oil return tubes. i had a small, but persistent leak (slow dripping onto my heat exchangers) in 1 of mine, and made the mistake of turning it to see if reseating it might help.

after doing this, the small, persistent leak turned into a large pool of oil. i suppose i was needing to replace my tubes anyway, but this moved it WAY up on my priority list of P-car projects!

sometimes, the old O-rings get seated and don't like to be disturbed.

[Paul Thomas]

Is Whacko a business or a town?

Paul