Keith
I have my stock stick and tube out right now and waiting to go back in. Headers are out getting coated so i thought I would wait until then.
I have tried to push mine back in since the rebuild/paint I get it in about half way. I remember they are pressed in quite tightly and wondered how yours fit. Was it tight? If so why not clean it up well/solvent or what have you then use a sealer or
oil resistant RTV?
I guess I will drive mine in later when I know it won't be interferring with the headers going back in
Tim