More Leaks, etc.

[Poor-sche Lover]

Hey guys,

I have to vent. I've got a '74 914 2.0 that has been bored out to about 2.1. I live in a very small town (pop. 120) in SE Kansas, and I own literally 40% of all the 914's I've ever seen. (2 out of 5). I have to drive 15 minutes to even get to a NAPA or an O'Reilly's. Even worse, the nearest Porsche dealer is over two hours away. How is it that with an AutoZone, O'Reilly's, NAPA, and Carquest, I can't find the part I need? It drives me nuts that I have to order $2 seals from CA, IL, or GA, just to pay $6 shipping. AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Thanks for letting me have that. Anyway, the real reason for this post is this. I am currently inspecting my pushrod tubes and seals to find my oil leaks. In doing so, I found some surprises. First of all, the wire that holds the pushrods in place was broken and part of it was inside a tube. Yeah, that's pretty. What would cause this?

Also, these pictures show my pushrods. What would cause the worn bands on either end? How bad is this?

In addition, There are some very small dents in the tubes themselves (a result of the previous owner's affection for pliers). How important (to a college boy's budget) is their replacement?

In advance, thanks for all your help.

[Amark]

I live in a town that has a Porsche dealership. The only time I have been there is in desperation. They probably don’t stock much for the old 914 anyway.

I think most people order their parts from PP or one of the many online suppliers.

Most of local part stores have no idea what a 914 or a Type 4 is. I had to go three places to find a set of spark plugs.

As long as your push rod tubes are not split or deformed they should be ok. The push rod tube seals are the same as the ones used on a VW bus. I always coat them w/ a small amount of lithium grease before I install them. If you try to install them dry you run the risk of damaging them & a subsequent leak.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The worn spots on the pushrods are caused by the metal wire rubbing on them. The wire is steel, the pushrods aluminum. The steel wears the aluminum away. I've seen pushrods that were almost cut in half from this...

The usual cause is that whomever messed with the pushrod tubes last did not get the wire seated against the shoulders of the tubes. If they poke down into the tubes, they can and will rub on the pushrods, producing.... Exactly what you see there!

Try to avoid "weird" characters (parens, spaces, etc.) in your file names when you upload pictures to the BBS. Some/many/most browsers have problems showing pictures with "weird" characters in the URL, and the BBS software uses the filename you supply...

I would try to get all of the metal bits out of the engine that I could--change the oil at the very least. I'd think about new pushrods, but might not get them. I would definitely get a new retainer. And look over on the other side to make sure the wire is in the proper place! New pushrod tubes aren't necessary, but are kind of nice...

--DD

[Poor-sche Lover]

Dave,

First of all, where can I buy a new retainer? Also, can you explain a little better on how the retainer should be properly seated? Thanks.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Poor-sche Lover
Dave,

First of all, where can I buy a new retainer? Also, can you explain a little better on how the retainer should be properly seated? Thanks.

That's one of those things that is easier to show that to explain. You say you have 2 cars. Are the reatainers in the other car? Do they kinda sit under the rocker blocks and the little square bends rest on the end of the tube? That's it.

On ordering: Try to build up an order consolodating all your needs into one order. Don't be afraid to negotiate shipping. By this, I mean by what method. Many places won't take the trouble to use US Priority Mail. Only UPS 'cause they pick up. USPM is fast and cheap. Pelican will do this.