Need to replace oil return tubes on '86 Carrera.

[PabloX]

I'm going to get the steel two piece replacement tubes.

The question is, on an '86, is it absolutely necessary to remove the heat exchangers on this car?

I also need to replace the lower valve cover gaskets.

[PDACPA]

It is not necessary to remove the heat exchangers. I just did it a month or so ago and did not remove them.

On the Driver's though you have to remove the oil return tube that is closer to the rear of the car in order to get the one towards the front of the car in. The passenger side is no issue.

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by PDACPA

It is not necessary to remove the heat exchangers. I just did it a month or so ago and did not remove them.

On the Driver's though you have to remove the oil return tube that is closer to the rear of the car in order to get the one towards the front of the car in. The passenger side is no issue.

Excellent! Thanks.

I guess I'll put the MAPP torch away now.

My next question, how long a tool is needed for the barrel nuts? The one our host sells is ridiculously expensive for what it is and I'd like to find a cheaper alternative.

[plumb4u2]

I also replaced mine about 2yrs ago and did not remove anything

It's not simple but not horrible either

[PDACPA]

What barrel nuts? All I used was some pry bars and some hose clamps to give me some leverage to get the oil return tube to spread fully.

Pry Bar Set - 4 Piece

Here is another Pelican's tips that I followed. The only thing I did different was move those hose clamps further towards the ends of the tubes. Being in the center like that did not give me enough leverage to sink both ends in tight.

Oil Return Tube Replacement Tip

[Jcslocum]

Follow the instructions in the last link. Did these today and didn't have the 2nd hose clamp. A real bugger to do without!

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by PDACPA

What barrel nuts? All I used was some pry bars and some hose clamps to give me some leverage to get the oil return tube to spread fully.

Pry Bar Set - 4 Piece

Here is another Pelican's tips that I followed. The only thing I did different was move those hose clamps further towards the ends of the tubes. Being in the center like that did not give me enough leverage to sink both ends in tight.

Oil Return Tube Replacement Tip

Friends don't let friends get injured by HF tools.

[PDACPA]

LOL @Scott - Northern Tool was too far a drive and I was in the HF area. Not much to go wrong with a bent piece of metal and a plastic grip.

[Nathans_Dad]

Harbor Freight has a set of long hex keys with ratchet ends that work well on the barrel nuts. Kroil is your friend!!!!

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by PDACPA

LOL @Scott - Northern Tool was too far a drive and I was in the HF area. Not much to go wrong with a bent piece of metal and a plastic grip.

I keep this as a reminder in the "hall of shame." The missing piece was removed by a skilled ER technician.

[PDACPA]

Scott - how the heck did that happen? And where was it stuck in you?