C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gasket)

[Wayne M.]

Well I'm ready to bolt the rear cover to the carrier (on my work bench). Reading the '66 chassis service manual (which assumes that differential work on Corvettes leaves the rear cover in the car, bolted to the X-member and the rear spring) it says to "liberally grease gasket surface; place new gasket on cover and install carrier-to-cover bolts and torque"

The old gasket (which was not original -- had been at least one rebuild) seemed to be stuck mostly around the 8 bolt holes of both carrier and cover, so I conclude that if glue was used, it was only at the bolt locations on both sides of the gasket.

But GREASE ??? Would'a been the last thing I would have applied.

What have you experts used ?

[Joseph E.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Wayne,

I've rebuilt two differentials over the years (currently working on the third), the oldest one being done about fifteen years ago on my L72 roadster. I used Permatex RTV silicone sealant that I purchased in my local auto parts store (high temp I believe)and lightly coated both the cover and main housing side with the stuff. After assembly to proper torque specs, I let it sit for a good amount of time to cure before adding the fluids. Any sealant which oozes out after torquing the bolts should be allowed to cure and then simply trim it away with a sharp razor blade. I have not had any problems whatsoever with the seal and over 15,000 miles have been put on the car since the rebuild was completed. I don't know anything about using grease in such an application. I hope this helps.

Joe

#45420

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Wayne-----

What I use is a VERY thin coating of Permatex Ultra Copper RTV on both sides of the gasket. Wipe off any "squeeze-out" immediately after torquing the cover bolts.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

In the era that the manual was printed I would have expected the "grease" to be #2 Permatex. Like Joe, I like the Ultra Copper with or without the gasket. I have done it both ways with equal success. On good machined surfaces you can use Loctite Gasket Eliminator with good success. I have installed a coupe of differentials using this product

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Dick----

I agree; the gasket probably isn't necessary with the RTV or other products. However, it "makes me feel better".

[Dick W.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

The reason that I like the Copper or the Gasket Eliminator is that when you are doing the differential by yourself, it is easy to tear the gasket and end up with a leak. Don't ask me how I know this

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Yall just aint old enough. The old folks used grease as a gasket sealer. I built a few engines and things way years ago, and it works just fine.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

I came on on Indian Head? gasket shellac. Coated everything that could not crawl, walk, or run off. Worked real good on those old Indian OHV motorcycle engines that seemed to be in the running with HD for the worst leaking motorcycle engines in the world Sure was no fun trying to take anything apart that had the shellac on it. Sometimes I thought that a 2# stick of 60% would be needed. Thank goodnes for Loctite and then Permatex (now the same products, just different labeling owned by Henkel) coming up with better sealers

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Wayne-----

Actually, I used to use grease on the differential cover gaskets, too. I switched to Permatex Ultra Copper quite awhile ago, though.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Dick-----

I used to use a lot of Indian Head, too. However, I never used it on differential covers.

One place where I don't think you can beat the Indian Head (even though I no longer use it there) is for the block/cap surfaces adjoining the rear main seal. Even though I really think it's the best for that application, I now use Ultra Copper because it expands slightly on contact with oil. Still, every time I do it I say to myself, "I should be using Indian Head".

[Wayne M.]

Thanks, all -- great suggestions *NM*

[William L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Dick
We used Indian on the old Top Fueler. Havent thought of that stuff in years!
Bill Lacy

[Dick W.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Bill from the looks of the hair do's, ya musta been using it for hair spray

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Bill-----

You can still buy it.

[William L.]

Re: C2-C3 Differential to Rear Cover install (gask

Dick
This was on the starter rollers 1975 at the old Gateway Int.Raceway. Ya know I remember having a lot of it in my hair and every were else, you almost had to wear it off.
Bill