Leaky Oil Tubes

[redcar]

In awakening my '71 911S Targa from a way-to-long sleep, I am noticing that I am getting some small leaks from the oil tubes (the o-ring seals have probably dried out). Other than the smell of burned oil as it hits the heat exchangers, should I be fearful that the engine is about to catch fire? Is there any "magic" additive that might help lubricate and swell the o-ring seals? Or is it OK to just drive it a bit to warm everything up a bunch and see if the drips stop on their own? Or just bite the bullet and replace the tubes? Experience from those of you that might have had this happen is most welcome -- thanks,

Bob

[TZombek]

My oil tubes were in the same condition after my 2.2T came last year. I pulled the exhaust off, changed the tubes using the collapsable ones. The old oil was wiped off the heat exchangers as best I could. It was a little smokey and smelly for a while, but seem to be OK for now.

[redcar]

Thanks for getting back. Looks as if you bite the bullet on replacing the tubes. How long did you drive your car before the replacement? Any problems if you did drive the car?

Bob

[66S]

sometimes you can seat the return tube seals better by turning the tube either by hand or carefully with pliers.

[redcar]

66S -

Thanks for the suggestion, I will give it a try.

Bob

[RSTarga]

Drive the car a while, it might seal up. It's not a big job to change out the tubes anyway.

[redcar]

David -

Thanks for getting back to me -- sounds as if you might have had experience driving with small leaks from your tubes? I will give it a go to put some miles on the car, checking fairly frequently to make sure the leaks are very minor.

Bob