Pushrod tubes... Spread them or not?

[quickkafer]

My present 1776 motor was built by someone else and it's leaking like a siv!  I'm really NOT complaining as he used all nice parts, but didn't use much for sealant.  It's got stock style stainless steel pushrod tubes on it.  I've only used stock ones, and I've heard that you've got one good "crush" on them before they're out of shape.  Some guys claim that there is enough resiliency in the metal to pull the accordian portion out and reuse them.  What do you guys think?  I'd like to use those ss tubes again if I can.

I've heard others say that they pull on them before installing them when they are brand new.

What works for you?  Let's hear your secrets.

I've only put together 4 motors so far, but I've pulled heads on several more to replace damaged heads, etc.  I've had success with new tubes, white seals, and a bit of gasgacinch between the tube and the seal, and again on the seal and the case.  I also put the seam on the tube pointing up.

Scott Faivre

[Roman]

I have re-used them several times and I have spread them slightly each time. It works for me! I have permatex on the white seals but I don't know if it's needed, I just do it just in case.
On the engines I have built or replaced the tubes with new it has never been a need for spreading them. Maybe it's needed if you have a really wide stroker?

[Fastbrit]

Seams upwards, spread them slightly, ultra clean surfaces on head and case, and no sealant. Works every time...

[Lids]

I reused my stock ones, pulled them, cleaned them, no sealant: no leaks...

[Frank LUX]

Hmmm,

I'm using VW "CT" Pusrod Tubes on my Motor and never had a Problem with Oil Leaks...

Frank

[Chuck Fryer]

I have had good luck cleaning them REAL good, stretching them a bit, install the white seal, then install them dry. (fingers crossed) I have hardly ever had a leak this way, but, everyone has his/her own system for a leak free engine.

[quickkafer]

Hmmm,

I'm using VW "CT" Pusrod Tubes on my Motor and never had a Problem with Oil Leaks...

Frank

Okay, I'll Bite... What's a "CT" Pushrod Tube.   

I'm going to try installing them naked this time.  (No not me! The pushrod tubes with no sealant! )

Scott Faivre
Scott Faivre

[Diederick/DVK]

CT engine was a type 4 bus engine, so i'm guessing he uses those type 4 pushrods... 
perhaps i'm wrong...

[alex d]

in fact a CT engine is a type 1, used in 1600 vanagons, but with a specific cooling and case; what's the difference with the pushrod tubes Frank?

[Shubee2 (DSK)]

I Only Use German Push Rod Tubes I strech them a little Install the seals with a little  gasgacinch and have never had a leak I Never Reuse Push rod tubes it cheap insurance against leaks Seams always Up!!

[javabug]

I'm going to try installing them naked this time.  (No not me! The pushrod tubes with no sealant! )

I don't know Scott, it sounds worth a try.  You might be onto something.

Make sure you leave the garage door open.   

[quickkafer]

...and I thought I was opening myself up for some ribbing with "spread them or not?"   

Scott Faivre

[Cornpanzer]

I put a thin coat of silicone on the inside and outside of the white pushrod tube seals.  Seam up, bellows slightly stretched.  I have zero leaks.

[Cheesepanzer]

I have zero leaks.

Except when the car lunges forward immediately before a loud BOOM!   

[Cheesepanzer]

I stretch mine slightly, apply a thin coat of permatex to the tube (under the seal) and as the seal is slid onto the tube it seals it off nicely against the ridge.  Then I apply a thin coat to the white seal.  Then when I put them in the case and head I turn them back and forth to seat them, then align the seams up.  Then as I torque the head down I constantly check the alignment and use a 1/2" drive extension to position the end of the tube straight into the head so I don't have any issues with my ratio rockers and pushrods.

No leaks (at least from the pushrod tubes  ).  And I too have re-used tubes before, but not more than a second time.   

[Rasser]

I have read all you guys good advices now, but I wonder why nobody mentioned that there are really crappy gasket kits out there on the market. With these crappy gaskets, not even the best tips and best sealants will keep your engine dry.

My advice - look around and buy the best gasketkits you can get hold of.  (I have good experience wtih El-ring) - and i too use permatex  in/out side off gaskets = NO leaks

[quickkafer]

Yes, El-ring are the best.  They make the white seals.  The red ones are crap. 

Good Point!  Thanks for mentioning that!

Scott Faivre