TR4/4A Leaking push rod tubes, TR4a

[Spokes]

Has anyone had the problem of oil leaking around the push rod tubes on the cylinder head of a TR4a. Oil is weeping from the top of the tubes where they enter the top portion of the head. The valve cover gasket is not leaking and there are no other oil leaks. When I wipe off the oil from this area it will reappear after the next engine run. Has anyone had this problem and are there any fixes short of replacing the whole cylinder head? Please give me some advice.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Spokes -

This is the section of the Forum reserved for assistance with working the Forum itself. Post you question over in the Triumph section, and I'm sure you'll get plenty of response.


Mickey

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Hi Spokes,

Welcome!

Yes, this is a common problem. One suggestion I've heard is cleaning them as well as you can, and using the Loctite formula that is meant to be used after assembly to seal the gaps. I did it on a new head just to be safe, but if I was doing it in place I would probably mask off as much of the valve train as I could and use something like carb cleaner to clean the joints (after wicking as much oil away with a paper towel).

-Darrell

 

[TR4nut]

Hi Spokes and welcome-

This topic has come up over the years, one area where it is documented is here:

Uncle Jack's fixes from Teri Ann Wakeman

Chances are you may have aluminum pushrod tubes on that 4A head? I have also read where you may have success by gently flaring the tops of the tubes, which you can do with the head on the car I think - gentle tapping with a made up swaging tool, perhaps using a countersink bit for example.

Randy

 

[Spokes]

Darrell,

 

[Spokes]

Darrell,
Thanks for the information. Sounds simple enough to give it a try.
Cheers

 

[Spokes]

Randy,
Thanks for the link to Uncle Jack's Fixes. Will really help.
Cheers

 

[DrEntropy]

WOAH!! A Mainah!!! Welcome to the forum, Spokes!