Oil return tubes

[2stroke]

I searched, my case is different. My oil tubes are leaking, but it appears that someone has already changed them to two piece units. My question is.... What is the method for removing them to replace o-rings? They have orange seals now.

[uncle_scott]

I have a set of green seals from our host that have gone unused if you need them. I ended up replacing the entire tube because mine were some old aluminum style. Confirm you have steel tubes prior to ordering seals.

[jlex]

To remove one piece units, crush them with channel locks, then pull them out to replace with the telescoping units.
I suppose you could try to re-use the telescoping 2 piece units if you carefully removed the C clips at the joint, then collapsed them enough to remove. May be difficult to do, though, since not only are there seals at the head and the case, but there are (2?) seals on the inside you can't see that seal the sections together that may give lots of resistance.
Someone else will need to chime in to see if the two piece units are salvageable or if you should just get new 2 piece replacement units. They're not too pricey so it may be worth going with new units. Why struggle? If the old ones are leaking, they're probably a damn mess to work with so personally I'd just buy new w/ the green seals.

[DeRRis]

If the tubes are leaking the seals are not very tight and they shoud collapse with not to much force. The installation is the part where it gets tricky.

[bigel]

Heck, just pull the engine...tear it down and install proper one piece oil tubes.

[yelcab1]

The two piece units are reusable but you have to replace the seats. There are also more than one type of 2 piece units. One is after market and one is factory I believe.

[2stroke]

Thanks guys. I ordered a new set of tubes before I knew that they were already changed. Will have new parts tomorrow in case I can't remove them without ruining them.

[Chuck.H]

One trick to remove them is to put hose clamps on each half so you can squeeze them together with channel locks - I've heard of this but not tried it. Same method could be used to install them.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 424k miles

[LUFTKUL]

The hose clamp trick is the only way I was able to get new ones to seat properly. It takes a relatively small, but sturdy reverse clamp. There isn't a lot of space in there. I crushed my old ones to get them out.

[Mike Andrew]

+1 on Chuck's method for installation/removal. GREATLY eases the process as you have a good surface to use for leverage.
Personally, I would install the new tubes and be done with it rather than reusing the current tubes and maybe having to address it again if there are issues.

[jlex]

Originally Posted by Mike Andrew

Personally, I would install the new tubes and be done with it rather than reusing the current tubes and maybe having to address it again if there are issues.

Amen. You'll put yourself thru enough hassle with new ones. Don't play around with the old greasy ones unless you've been bad and feel you deserve the punishment.

[Nick Triesch]

Or, if they leak just a little, install two bottles of ATP AT-205. Leaks will stop.

[kuehl]

From our host

Return Tube R&R