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Wedge Diff Cover Gasket Adhesive

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JFS

JFS

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After having my rear differential rebuilt a couple years ago, the rear cover now leaks. The sealant used by the shop appears to be a red RTV. What sealant should I use with my new rear cover gasket? Any suggestions?
 
In theory it shouldn't need anything. What often happens is the bolts are torqued too much and distort the cover, make sure the flange is flat.

That said, I like to glue gaskets to the removable part (cover) with RTV, and use a non-setting sealer (hylomar or the like) on the other surface.
 
What he said, except I use Hylomar on both sides. The important bit is getting the sealing surfaces perfectly flat.
 
Thanks Darrell and Randall. I'll work the cover flat and look for some Hylomar.
 
I tried to use hylomar but apparently I had some distortion on the cover - couldn't get a seal. I went with a permatex gasket sealant (non-rtv type) and it's been leak free. I wasn't worried about destroying the gasket as I rarely open up the case and it's easy to clean up the surfaces.
 
There is a trick to installing diff gaskets and oil pan gaskets on the wedges. Coat both sides of the gasket lightly with your choice of sealant, and let it sit for a few minutes so that it starts to dry. I like black RTV because it doesn't look stupid when it squeezes out like the red stuff does. Install the gasket, cover and bolts, but only tighten them a little bit. Go back the next day after the sealant has had a chance to set and torque the bolts down. If you try to torque it down with the sealant wet, the gasket will stretch and squeeze out the sides.
 
Did that with my oil pan when I installed it with the "Right Stuff"
Well see how it comes off when the garage climate is a little more reasonable
 
Permatex Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker

"Specially formulated for differentials and transfer cases to resist modern gear oil friction modifiers that can break down normal RTV and cause leaks.

DNK said:
Justin- What's the company name
Click to expand...
 
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