Deteriorating Push Rod Tube Seals?

[d3ac0n]

So I noticed a nice oil leak from one of my push rod tube seals on the side where it connects to the head. I removed the valve cover and I've attached pics of what I've discovered.

The one that was leaking looks really bad. The others look like they're on their way.

The seals are less than 2 years old. It's my first rebuild, the bug maybe has 200 miles on it since the rebuild, is this normal or what did I do wrong?

Also the oil inside the valve cover smelt like fuel, but whats weird was I smelt the dipstick and it had no scent of fuel. So no fuel mixed with oil in the case, just in the valve cover, what could've caused this?

Is it possible the fuel mixed with the oil inside the valve cover is what's eating away at the pushrod seals?

I already got some new scat spring loaded push rod tubes and seals but before install I'd feel way more comfortable with some guidance/advice so that way I can hopefully avoid this secenario again within the near future. Side note: All seals were installed with light coat of yamabond4
(Far right seal was leaking)

(No leaks yet but doesn't looks good)

[67rustavenger]

You really don't need to put sealant on the PR tube seals. It looks like the sealant allowed the seal on the tube to slide around a bit.

TBH. I do put a little sealant on the seals. Just very little. Not gooped on.

Are the heads new? Or just cleaned up? Prior to the rebuild.
Spring loaded PR tubes are a bandaid.They get you home.
But really aren't a good idea for long term use.
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[d3ac0n]

[Q-Dog]

Push rod tubes too long, or stretched too much before install?

I have never used sealant on a seal. That doesn't make much sense to me. Otherwise, what is the point of the seal if it doesn't actually seal?
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[d3ac0n]

[Starbucket]

1st rebuild so did you slowly tighten the bottom head bolts collapsing the tubes until you made contact with the cyl.s then torquing all the nuts per the manual? No sealant on tube seals as it lets them slip into the head/block as yours did. There is no oil pressure in the tubes so no need. Post a pic of how your breather is plumed as that is where the gas came from.

[mark tucker]

oops. tubes to long, too stiff, tomuch sealer(non needed, just a slight amount of oil so it will slide into place) tubes at rong angle...pick you poison.

[d3ac0n]

[runamoc]

That's what happens when you use silicon on those gaskets
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[d3ac0n]

[d3ac0n]

Ok well I figured out why oil under valve cover smells like fuel. There's a very slow drip of fuel coming down from intake valve of cylinder 4.

I feel like this needs a whole new thread but just thought I'd put it out there incase anyone feels so inclined to chime in. Thanks guys.

[Q-Dog]

Looks like your carburetor is leaking or flooding too. Time to investigate.
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle