Club 80-90 Forums

Hey peeps

I have a slow oil leak in my van (2.0l air cooled). I know this is is part and parcel of having an old vehicle and have no problem keeping an eye on the oil levels. However, the smell is a little obnoxious. I'm pretty used to it but any guests on road trips always end up commenting!

I took her to a reputable VW garage the other day and was told that the leak is coming from both push rod seals. I've been quoted £800 as it would be an engine out jobby. Unfortunately thats not going to be in the budget this side of Christmas so wanted to ask about my other options. I saw threads about adjustable rods on the forum but the garage told me "your gonna pay a lot for labour still and they don't even work". I can't really be sure is hes saying this because of missing out on the extra money or giving sound advice.

Can anyone give me an impartial opinion? If they do actually work can anyone give me an honest opinion on whether its do-able by a complete amateur?

Thanks

The pushrod tube seals can be replaced with the engine insitu, you only have to remove the rocker covers and rocker shafts about 2 1/2 hrs work. Just replacing the seals is not always successful it is usually best to replace the pushrod tubes as well.

Thanks bigherb

If replacing the push rods means engine out, its not something I can consider at the moment. If I'm taking the rocker cover and shafts off to get at the seals is it worth putting the adjustable rods in at the same time? Surely adjustable rods cant be worse than leaky non-adjustable rods? Then again if its just the seals, maybe I'm better off leaving the original push rods as they are.

I've seen this tutorial online
http://www.volksworld.com/tech-guides/v ... ubes-29574" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Worth a shot?

That video is for a 1600 engine the 2.0 ltr engine is different, the push rod tubes can just be pulled out once the rocker shafts have been removed. Are you sure you have a 2.0ltr engine?

100% sure i have a 2.0ltr

Just to clarify, are you saying the push rods can be changed without dropping the engine on the 2.0ltr?

curley wrote:100% sure i have a 2.0ltr

Just to clarify, are you saying the push rods can be changed without dropping the engine on the 2.0ltr?

Yes

Well my mechanic can stick his £800 where the sun don't shine in that case! Thanks Bigherb

I'll have another hunt around for tutorials but any instructions are greatly appreciated.

Once you have removed the rocker shaft and the wire push rod tube retainer (note how it fits first) the tubes push out the head this way.

Hi,
They don't need the engine out to change, jack up the rear and take the rear wheels off.
Clean round the rocker covers
Remove the tin wear below the push rod tubes
Remove the rocker cover
Take a picture for reference
remove the long tube retaining clip
remove the two nuts that hold the rocker assy in place
pull the rocker assy off
take the push rods out (note were they came from)
Pull the push rod tubes out, might need to get an open ended spanner and use it to push the tube out from underneath
Clean tubes up and replace seals, grease lightly to re fit
make sure push rods are re seated into the tappets (bit in the engine)
Refit the rocker assy and don't over torque the retaining nuts
Re fit spring push rod retainer thing, refer to picture
Clean up and refit rocker covers with new gaskets, no sealant used

Or use a Haynes manual!
Hope that helps

Thanks both for the info so far

I went and collected my van from the garage this morning and left 40 quid lighter for having sweet FA work done.

I told the mechanic that a little bird told me the change could be done with the engine insitu. He altered his story saying the push rod tube seals could be done but I needed the rods out too to fix the leak which still meant engine out.

I'm more confused now than ever!

Without knowing if he is talking about another leak from some where else it is hard to say but most things you can get to without removing the engine apart from the flywheel oil seal, worst case you just have to swing the engine and gearbox down a bit on the front gearbox mounting so you can get the fan housing off to get to the oil cooler seals.

I replaced my pushrod seals without even jacking up the van or removing the wheels. the push rods came out and went back as part of the job.
find another garage.....

Thanks Asw

On to pastures new me thinks

For anyone interested it was Volks Works in Leeds that said it was an engine out job. And who charged me £40 to tell me it would cost £800 to do...

We have the same engine which had a similar leak, i was sure it was the tube seals as in your case but on further examination turned out it was only the rocker cover gasket, which didn't remotely fit around the corners of the casing, so soon sorted.Good luck with yours.

Nice one paperhouselad thats definitely worth checking first