Turbo Oil Return Line In Awd V70

[aikitect]

Thanks to the help of Rich Kelley, I decided to give the install of the oil line another go. I am glad I did as I was feeling pretty down-trodden last night, now I feel like a man again.

It worked this time, I think because I had a better idea of the signs of success. I was close before, but did not know it.

Here are a few pointers:

• Get real familiar with the location of the hole into the block and everything that is around it. If you are lying on your back like I was, then you will not be able to see the hole. Knowing its location relative to everything around it will make it easier to insert the tube back into the hole. It is hard to do. I had to do all of this with only my right hand.

• Put the tube in the hole first. I tried several methods, including getting the top flange in position first, but the correct way is to first get the tube into the hole in the block.

• Put some RTV silicone on the gasket to lube it and to help it get a better seal. It can get messy, as I ended up dropping the tube several times before finally getting it into the hole.

• Use RTV silicone to secure the green gasket to the top flange of teh tube. Moniter its location throught the install as mine moved about as I kept bumbing it into things.

• If you can not get your left hand through the tangle of tubes to reach the top part of the tube, then use as long sockett extension to support the tube as you manevere the tube into position with your right hand.

• Make sure that you have a crow bar or such to move the metal line out of the way near where the top flange bolts into the turbo. Evidently, I moved it enough last night that I did not need to do anything today.

• On my first attempt last night I had trouble with the tube because it was hitting the turbo housing. I later found out from Rich that this was becasue the tube was not inserted all of the way. Rich suggested that I get a pair of long nose vice grips to clamp on teh tube to help push it into the hole. I bought the vice grips, but did not need them. Somehow the tube slipped all the way into place, perhaps as a result of teh RTV silicone.

• Get a 5mm hex head socket that is fairly deep. My origonal one (part of a set) had 1/2" of hex bit sticking out. I purchased a new one with 1" of hex bit and it fit a lot better. The extra length helps the part the goes on the ratchet clear the oil line.

• Get a good univeral joint for your ratchet. I bought a new one that was pretty stiff. I also used a wrapping of tape the make it even stiffer, but ended up removing it.

• I also had some extensions that had swival ends (hard to explain, but they allowed for some angle movement). These were real helpful in snakeing thru the tubes to get to the hex bolts.

• Use a piece of tape on the end of the hex bit. this will keep the bolt secured to the end of the bit as you try to get it started during re-installation.

• Getting the hex head bolts started was pure determination and luck. It was hard to get an idea of the correct entry angle, so I just kept at it slightly altering my angle until I got them started. This took a very long time.

• When installing the bracket that ties the oil tube to the other tube, install it already assembled but with the bolt very loose. Install it from the top, slipping the bottom piece between the two tubes.

• Do not start the car with the tube off. (Duh) You will get a nice sized oil puddle.

Thanks again for everyones help.

[Guest Guest_surfdame]

I feel your pain. I did my v70 awd a couple of months back, with the oil change and return line fix it took about 5 hours. It really sucked!!!