Push rod guide tubes

[kgnoble]

Leaking seal from the pushrod guide tube is a perennial subject I know, and I am presently confronting a problem that might in the end be best solved by a new cylinder head....or not. Any help would be much appreciated.

I am trying to fit the LHS cylinder head back in place. I am paying particular attention to locating the guide tubes into the block. The tubes have been slightly "rebent" to a fairly circular section, although in the straightening out, removing crushed aluminium, and rebending the right hand tube has been shortened slightly by about 2 mm! I should add that the rubber seal holder does move up and down on the tube against the spring, but fouls just at the end. As far as I can tell I have the new seals the correct way round seated in new holders.

When I place the head back on and relocate the guide tubes, the right hand seal does not fit closely enough against the block to provide an effective seal - and consequently leaks a lot. This is after torquing the head down correctly

My question - is the slight lack of length of the tube relevant to the seal; is the fact that the seal holder does not move freely enough on the guide tube causing problems; or have I missed something out? Also should the seal be stretched around the tube end?

If I do replace the head, should I replace both sides at the same time?

Thank you in advance for any comments and help

Keith

[Lomax76]

Keith,
Something, I have learned from a mechanic (the old type with empirical experience) that in this case you can use a piece of wood and an harmer to gently adjust the seal's holder position.
Regards
Paul

[kgnoble]

Thank you - will give it a try....

Keith