Oil return line ?

[TLOC]

I've just removed the oil return line, appears perfect but oil/dirt caked all over it. It just seems to me both clamps were loose and oil oozed out and down the line. Car history, 90 TGP, black/beechwood, leather, sunroof, cass, bought in 94 from original owner with 11000 miles, it now shows 71xxx, all original, except alt., dist. module, batt, tires, tint, JVC 12 disc CD and amp, frt wheel bearing hubs, KYB's all around, never any problems except stalling occasionally. Original X-over. Car has been kept covered or garaged entire life, in NC, Mobil 1 full syn since 11000 mi. every 3K religously! Car is nearly new, it sits covered and garaged cause I have 3 other vehicles.
   Question is has anyone pulled this line and it appears new as mine, should I replace or re-install. Thanks...T  :dunno:

[R Dubya]

for what it costs it is not really worth it to reinstall the factory tube.  The failure will not be noticed on the outside, it will be noticed on the inside, or possible not at all, as the material becomes weaker as the years go on, can actually collapse on itself like a straw, not letting oil run back into the engine, causing it to run out of the seals and burn in the exhaust.  If you have had any smoking issues at idle than this would be the culprit.  Kenny will sell you a piece of silcon hose for cheap, I think around $15 or so including ship, or you can just go to ATPturbo.com I think and they offer silicon hose as well.  You will need something like 10.5" but get a foot, and trim it down to the size of the factory piece. 

[mfewtrail]

Tony, mine was in pretty good shape at 72,000 miles or so when I changed. It was starting to bubble up in the center though, so I went ahead and replaced it with a much higher quality line I purchased from Jim(idbeast) on the board.