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Rear differential drain plug leak
- Thread starter Lin
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Bob_Spidell
Yoda
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I've always liked to experiment with sealants and adhesives (much to my father's annoyment), but don't like using teflon tape where a piece could break off and 'gum up the works' (yes, I know it wouldn't do much in a diff). Permatex Thread Sealant (with teflon), has always worked for me; if it doesn't for you I'd look closely for a crack or defect in the plug or the threads of the diff case.
As an aside, the following shows some, er, 'interesting' things going on in a diff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-yG3D3JBRs
D
Deleted member 21878
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Guest
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i use the pink teflon tape. worked fine and is for oil.
Randy Forbes
Yoda
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Loctite 518. It's what I use on bolts that are in open-end threaded holes into BMW differentials (below oil level).
It works as a bit of a thread-locker too, so additional effort will be required the next time you go to drain the fluid.
Good stuff to keep around, as it will substitute for a gasket altogether. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gasket-S...MIqvzMotG-3gIVCJyzCh1pVgNbEAQYAyABEgJPsPD_BwE
It works as a bit of a thread-locker too, so additional effort will be required the next time you go to drain the fluid.
Good stuff to keep around, as it will substitute for a gasket altogether. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gasket-S...MIqvzMotG-3gIVCJyzCh1pVgNbEAQYAyABEgJPsPD_BwE
Online
Lin--
Consider drilling and safety wiring all your drain plugs--diff, engine, transmission. It is mandatory on race cars for a good reason and there will be one less thing to obsess about!
Consider drilling and safety wiring all your drain plugs--diff, engine, transmission. It is mandatory on race cars for a good reason and there will be one less thing to obsess about!
Bob_Spidell
Yoda
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OK, I can't for the life of me see how you can safety wire the diff and gearbox plugs; they're recessed and if you drill you'd likely go through threads. I've never heard of one backing out, as I believe they're pipe threads and you can torque them down pretty tight.
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Bob--
There is enough thickness on the face of a plug to through-drill a small hole in at an angle into which you can insert the wire. Some plugs stand a bit proud of the surface of the housing and they are easiest. For those that go flush when tightened it may be necessary to drill two angled holes so they meet and allow the wire to be passed through. Finding a place to anchor the wire is easy and on diffs I use an oval or oversized washer near the plug and drill a hole through that.
Needless to say, drilling out the plugs should be done with them off the car....
There is enough thickness on the face of a plug to through-drill a small hole in at an angle into which you can insert the wire. Some plugs stand a bit proud of the surface of the housing and they are easiest. For those that go flush when tightened it may be necessary to drill two angled holes so they meet and allow the wire to be passed through. Finding a place to anchor the wire is easy and on diffs I use an oval or oversized washer near the plug and drill a hole through that.
Needless to say, drilling out the plugs should be done with them off the car....
Bob_Spidell
Yoda
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Probably not necessary on a street car; at least, I don't lose any sleep over them falling out. Presume you use stainless wire? What thickness of wire do the tracks specify?
Online
Bob--
It's probably not necessary on a track car either but it is what it is. I have never seen a spec for either size or type of wire--just that all drain plugs must be "wired"--nor have I ever seen a tech inspector get under a car to check, though engine sup drains are usually easy to see from above. Personally I enjoy the exercise.
It's probably not necessary on a track car either but it is what it is. I have never seen a spec for either size or type of wire--just that all drain plugs must be "wired"--nor have I ever seen a tech inspector get under a car to check, though engine sup drains are usually easy to see from above. Personally I enjoy the exercise.
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Lockwire is 0.041" stainless.
Randy Forbes
Yoda
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I built this engine for a guy that races, and asked him to send me the engine specs out of the rule book__I didn't want to inadvertently get him in trouble...
You know, just to present a visual aid to Michael's suggestion!
You know, just to present a visual aid to Michael's suggestion!
Bob_Spidell
Yoda
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Safety wire is available in a number of diameters:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/safetywire.php?clickkey=4386
0.041" isn't the thickest, but it's perfect for the one place I know of that's pre-drilled in a Healey:
