Rearend plate seal
 

As I was looking through older posts about changing hydro fluid I came across a post from Jmech where he said to use silicone instead of the seal. My question is, was he referring to 100% silicone or was he talking about a different type of automotive silicone? I am working on a 1650. I tried to PM Jmech, but I guess he has left the forum. Thank you for your help.

Go_aggies

You can use black or orange RTV. Dont goop it on. All you need is a thin layer.

Pick it up at any part store, hardware store,

Thank you, that is what I was thinking.

Go_aggies

Uh, I don't buy that. I use the gasket as Cub Cadet recommends and apply a thin film of sealant on both side.

:IH Trusted Hand:

Yeah.. I like the gasket there as well.. However I have sealed many diff covers with only RTV in the past when I had to. It should seal it fine. As a mechanic for many years, the way I learned is only use RTV or other sealants on removable part unless otherwise stated in the manual. The reason is, It can be a real pain in the ass to clean the part that's not removable say like in the case of a water pump or timing cover in a tight engine compartment.

My personal belief is that if the part had a gasket from the factory, then I choose to use a gasket. I too, apply a thin coat of sealer to the mating surfaces. Once the fluid has been changed, I never suspect a need to open the cover up for many years. Again, not a debate, only my personal beliefs. The gasket is about $6 bucks and some change, and always in stock at the local dealership.

After hearing everyone’s thoughts on the matter I guess I will go ahead and put the seal on as well. Thank you for your input.

Go_aggies

My opinion:
I'm old skool when nothing used sillykone, just gaskets.
That said,
while I have used gaskets as well as sillykone, both seal as intended.
Gaskets give a problem if the cover has been over tightened and not hammered back flat in the bolt areas.
And/or you over tighten the cover with the new gasket installed.
If you have flattened the cover, and want to use a gasket, do so.
If you want to use silly-kone instead, do so.
One caution:
when using any sealer, do make sure the surfaces are free of old gasket material and DRY of any lube/water/etc.
Clean with gas,lacquer thinner or brake clean.
Do not allow oil to seep out of the gears while applying the silly kone, because if surfaces are wet/contaminated you might as well as put a catch pan under it because it will leak.
silicone did not become popular till the 70's as a replacement for gaskets.
it is less expensive and yields itself easily to assembly line production methods.
As mentioned, a thin coating is desirable, less is better.
I do not use both silly kone and gaskets.

I use a gasket and #2 Permatex

If using permatex or similar, use a small even bead and just snug the bolts with your fingers. After 10 minutes or so then snug them down. It helps it not squeeze out. If using a gasket, make sure the cover is flat and there is really no need for any sealant. It didn't when it was made.



Randy