oil return tubes survey- 964

[roofbolter]

I am getting ready to change-out my oil return tubes on my 90 C4. I have read all the posts about this procedure which have provided a great amount of information. The main question I have is: should I take off the heat exchangers or try it with them on. I know it will be much easier to do this job with the heat exchangers off, but I will have to break out the torch to heat the nuts to safety remove them. Has anyone changed them on their 964 with the heat exchangers on that would like to share their thoughts on the job.


thanks
90 C4
93 Land Cruiser

[bazar01]

I don't know if anybody has replaced the ones on the driver side without removeing the HE. The passenger side seems doable.
You better start soaking those exhaust stud hex and allen nuts with PB blaster.
Do not forget to put anti-sieze on those nuts when you put the exhaust back on.

[roofbolter]

I have been soaking them for a week or so, but will use heat to make sure I don't twist off a stud.

[Hamptonsam]

I know from experience that breaking those studs is not fun. I do not think the bolts had ever been touched and I lost about 3 studs in the process. I ended up getting a jig and drilling them out. The shop I had it towed to first wanted to pull the engine. That would have been really costly.

I did not do the PB Plaster for that long so hopefully you will have better luck. Also I have to work on my patience. Take things slow.

Good luck.