The tubes shouldnt leak, unless they're really rusty and have pin holes in them. If yours are in decent nick then restretch them, good clean and refit properly with decent quality seals. Make sure the block and heads where they fit are clean.

 

As above, plus, whether you are using new or old original type, always place the seam at the top. That way, if it does fail (yes, I have seen it happen) you won't lose all the oil so quickly. If using the sprung two-piece aluminium type, be sure the inside bore where the O-ring seal is free from burrs. (Yes, seen that one too, ripping the rubber seal as they are assembled. Top brand/supplier too...).

Cheers, Carl.

 

They are really old, don't think they've ever been replaced looking at them. I'll have a good look at them and clean them up then get new seals if the are ok. Cheers for the advice!

 

I think mine are leaking too, but can't pull the engine. Would gasket sealant stop the leak if the leak is coming from the ends of the push rods?

 

Theres no need to pull the engine.
Get a decent set of spring loaded tubes, csp jaycee etc and pull the pushrods out...
Then you can remove the old tubes by what ever way you want, a good pull downwards works.
clean up at the mating surfaces and reinstall the spring loaded tubes... make sure you've oiled the O ring seals and worked them up and down a few times i use permatex on the flange seals which works well, no leaks

Chris

 

After cleaning the tubes I like to pop em in the oven at 50 degrees just so the metal of the accordion sections has less chance of cracking when stretching them plus a bit of half dowel cos then you can use a pair of molegrips to stetch with and not damage the tube ends. rather depends how stiff they are to stretch.

As for seals some say the white ones and others the red but rather depends on how rubbery they are. Too much plastic and they'll fail quickly. WW do nitrile ones but Megabug had some clear silicon ones that I've not had a chance to fit yet but by how liable they are I reckon will work well.