adjustable pushrod tubes

[Bryan Cotton]

Hey VW fans,
We have one leaking pushrod tube. So close to the mythical dry aerovee.... I want to try one of those adjustable tubes. I'm thinking the screw kind, so I can sock it down. I see a bunch of EMPI ones and some other brand - they all say 1600cc. Do they adjust enough for the deck heights of our motors? Or am I better off trying a spring type?

[Area 51%]

I'm a spring-loaded fan. No guesswork concerning the tension. I always enjoyed prying the alternator down on my "67" Camaro with a broomstick while trying to tighten the bolt, but give me the spring-loaded automatic tensioner on my Buick any day.

I'm sure most aftermarket tubes (screw or spring) account for longer stroke engines. But CB Performance has a spring/adjustable unit that they sell individually. Part number 1568.

I needed to replace a tube that had an excessive roll in the end that was eating the pushrod. I used the spring type. Never a leak.

If there is a downside to the spring type it is in the installation. There's quite a lot of tension to overcome with room for only two fingers. I made a tool.

.

[Bryan Cotton]

I made a tool.

What does it look like? I've ordered one CBP tube.

[Area 51%]

I can't put my finger on it right now, but it was just two pieces of phenolic clamped together and drilled under sized to hold the tube while pushing it into place.
Picture the flap drive tube bearings, but long enough to get a grip.
Actually, Adam might have enough finger/hand strength to do the trick. I lost that ability when my subscription to Playboy ran out.