Aluminum oil return tube problem, advice sought

175K911 · 03-13-2008, 07:49 AM

While I've got the heat exchangers down, thought I'd re-seal the oil return tubes. Car has the aluminum collapsable tubes. Came out easily, and I have new seals from our host.

As I was cleaning the tubes in my parts cleaner, I discovered that the end piece on one of the tubes is loose. This is the inner machined part that goes into the case. The tube will spin inside the end. Not easily but it does spin. Have a spare new stamped tube that I could install but would prefer to use all 4 aluminum parts.

Take it apart and apply a tab of JB Weld? Or just leave it as is? Or try to find another one to match the other 3?

3.2 CAB · 03-13-2008, 08:37 AM

The one with the loose collar, sounds like scrap metal to me. I would either get another like it if you feel the need for them to match, or use the stamped steel one, and be done with the job. I don't think that I would trust JB weld. I don't know if you could seal it up, without welding it. Then it might not fit anymore due to heat damage. I can't say for sure. Good luck!! Tony.

KTL · 03-13-2008, 08:48 AM

Ed,

I'd try to fix it myself with some red Loctite. Hose it good with brake parts cleaner and blow dry compressed air & heat gun. Red Loctite will bond that collar good. I imagine some will say the heat of the engine will not let the red Loctite work. It needs 450F to remove fasteners that have been red Loctited and I don't believe exterior surface temps of the exhaust and heads get that hot.

http://www.permatex.com/documents/tds/Automotive/24026.pdf

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/thread_compounds/a_threadlockers/auto_Permatex_High_Temperature_Threadlocker_RED.ht m

jwernquist · 03-13-2008, 09:51 AM

Why mess with it, as you said you have the HE's off I would just order another tube and be done with it, they aren't too terribly expensive. I just got done replacing my tubes and I do not plan on doing it for a very very long time.

Why mess with it, especially when there is a chance of failure.
JW

175K911 · 03-13-2008, 11:21 AM

Thanks all. I just ordered new ones to get here overnight so I can button this up tomorrow night. False economy to try to fix one tube, and maybe I'm crazy but I'd rather they all be the same return tubes. It'll never be easier to change than it is right now. I can adjust the valves tonight and get the new backdated oil lines on tonight while I wait for the new return tubes.

I'll still try the Loctite Red method as kevin suggested to see if I can put the loose one back together again. At least that way I have a set of 4 sitting on the shelf for a future project.

3.2 CAB · 03-13-2008, 11:54 AM

There you go! You can never have too many extra parts for our cars. There will be a time that they will be needed, maybe not by you, but possibly someone else that might acquire them at some point. Most Porsche parts, don't really have an expiration date.
+1 with the stashing away.

175K911 · 03-13-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.2 CAB

There you go! You can never have too many extra parts for our cars. There will be a time that they will be needed, maybe not by you, but possibly someone else that might acquire them at some point. Most Porsche parts, don't really have an expiration date.
+1 with the stashing away.

Sad but true. I've got boxes of old 911 and 951 parts. Must have 2 extra steering racks, 2 or 3 alternators, lots of torsion bars, extra rear bumper guards (Carrera and '74 sizes) etc etc etc. Some of these parts have moved 4 times with me. Now some extra oil return tubes. Wish I had just one extra 16x9 Fuchs to mate with the single 9 and pair of 7's I currently have.