push rod oil leaks

KKV270 · Post by **KKV270** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:29 am

Hi.

I was inspecting my bug (being a troubleshoot to an earlier problem I experienced- please view my post on sudden power loss). I noticed that my engine has minimal oil leaks. At first I suspected it might be due to a recent oin change I did but reused the gasket (and probably not so well fastened bolts)

I happened to notice that one of the push rods was wet with oil and there are drips coming from the same. Kindly advice on how serious a matter I might be facing and the repercussions of the possible concerns.

Also, kinldy guide me through a step-by-step to any possible "do-it-yourself" solutions

Thanks.

hercdriver · Post by **hercdriver** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:40 am

KKV,

Welcome back!

Your oil leak has a couple of variables that you need to address.
1. How bad is the leak?
If it's a slow drip, you only take short drives, and you are lacking tools, then I would suggest cleaning it with a good cleaner and add oil as needed.
If it's a large leak, then you will have to fix it.

2. To fix it you should have a Bentley Manual.
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Beetle ... ley+manual

If you don't have the manual, here is the short version
You will need ..... new pushrod seals, new pushrods (if the are bent/cracked), torque wrench and socket
a. remove the cooling tin near the pushrods
b. remove the valve cover
c. remove rocker shaft with rocker arms
d. remove pushrods (remember which hole each came from)
e. remove the cylinder head nuts (8 each head) and cylinder head
f. remove pushrod tube

Expand each pushrod slightly so that they are about 191 mm from the last rib on each end (not the end of the tube, but the ribbing on the outside of the tube)
g.Replace the pushrod seals
h.Reinstall pushrods (seam should face up, in case the seam has pin hole)
I.Reinstall cylinder head
J.Torque cylinder head nuts to 7 ft/lbs in this order
7-5-6-8
4-2-1-3
K.Then do your final torque of 23 ft/lbs
8-2-4-6
5-3-1-7
L. Reinstall Pushrods
M. Reinstall Rocker assembly. Torque to 18 ft/lbs
N. Adjust valves
O. Reinstall Valve cover
P. Reinstall cooling tin
Q. Check your oil level

Here are a couple of videos for reference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYo34o1Up1o
I don't like the spring loaded type, but the video gives you a good idea of how to do the job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgGeZ-ok79g
This is a quick fix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OVmmdr7GDc
Different styles of tubes

Hope this helps,

herc

KKV270 · Post by **KKV270** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:41 am

Hi Hercdriver..

Thanks. I'm glad for the feedback. Really is consolling to hear I can still drive the car. My greatest fear was to hear I'd have to tear the engine down.

The oil leak is really slow in drip....and yes, I do lack tools. I will work towards getting the needed resources.

Glat to know I can access the pushrods independently.

I will plan for a manual as I'm determined to know this engine inside-out. Thanks for the video links as well. I'm already at them.

I haven't yet changed my plugs. I will be about all this coming week. I will give you all the feedback. (I've parked the car all this while).

Thanks.

KKV270 · Post by **KKV270** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:48 am

Hey Hercdriver,

gone through your step-by-step procedure outline on how to replace/fix the push rod leak....thanks. I find it clear.

Thank you.

hercdriver · Post by **hercdriver** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 5:07 pm

Glad to help. Let me know if you need anymore help.

If it were me, I'd get some engine degreaser/water and clean up the engine as well as you can. It will help you find all of the leaks and give you an idea of how much oil you are losing.

Cheers,
Herc

KKV270 · Post by **KKV270** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:20 am

Hi Hercdriver.

Thanks for the sound tip. I will use it.