LT230 Sump Cover Re-seal Failure

[Stefano]

My TC sump cover re-seal was not successful. It looks like one or more of the 4 bolts that screw into through holes are leaking.

I noticed the potential problem and took steps to remedy by letting the box drain with the cover off for 4-5 days then cleaning the through holes with ethanol followed by contact cleaner. I used thread sealant on the bolts that thread into the through holes. I think the problem was that the Right Stuff squeezing out fouled the thread sealant covered bolts as they were being inserted.

Has anyone developed a method that seals every time? Most of the time?

 

[expanse]

before you do the repair, mark the holes and the hardware that leak, unless you fit new hardware. might save you some pain if leak comes back.

have any of the holes been repaired with a coil?

coat both sides of gasket in RTV (not just a bead, a nice thin but not too thin smear over the entire surface area), blob on the hole before fitting hardware. this is assuming it's clean and threads chased. wipe away anything that squeezes out. By the book torque is silly low from what I remember. a few even rounds of hand tightening is all that's needed. let set ~24 hr. fill it with fluid.

I've never used that 90 minute set stuff, just the standard ultra black.

 

[supertreeman]

As standard practice on anything Land Rover I typically lightly baste both sides of gasket with right stuff before assembly. Knock on wood, I seem to be leak free so far on my 110. I use the black 1 minute stuff and it has worked well in my experience..

 

[Z.G]

FYI - there is gear oil safe permatex as an alternative, specifically designed for that. I always keep one for the drive flange gaskets

Permatex Green RTV Differential Gear Oil Gasket Maker 3oz

Shop for Permatex Green RTV Differential Gear Oil Gasket Maker 3oz with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.

www.autozone.com

 

[madcowdungbeetle]

When I worked in industrial automation we used to use Loctite 5699 on EIM gearboxes actuators that lived in some nasty environments and I was always impressed with how well that stuff seamed to hold up, and some of the grease and oils we had to fill those things with was NASTY. I'm not sure if anyone has ever tried it on an LT230, but it might be worth a shot.

 

[erover82]

A leaking intermediate shaft often appears to be a sump cover leak. Sure that isn't it?

If the leaks really are at the bolts, I wonder if installing some sealing washers would be an easy fix:

Gasket / Sealing Ring Steel / Rubber

Bel-Metric sells metric hardware & specialty automotive supplies worldwide. Visit our website to purchase metric fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers & more.

belmetric.com

 

[Stefano]

I used the Green Gear Oil Permatex on this last attempt. Interestingly, this AM I watched a few Permatex training videos and Permatex only recommends three of their products for use with gear oil: Right Stuff 1 Minute, Right Stuff 90 Minute and Green Gear Oil.

Great idea on the gasketed sealing washers!

I need to work on my powers of observation, because it is wet up near the intermediate shaft. I can see what looks like a big nut on the aft side but what is on the fore side? Is it an o-ringed plug?

Thanks All,
Stephan

 

[Z.G]

That's a super common leak point usually, builders cake the area with RTV
O ring is part # FRC8292

 

[Mirrajumper]

A stock gasket and a bit of red wheel bearing grease rubbed into gasket seals fine.

 

[Stefano]

Thanks Jim. If it works I much prefer a greased gasket to RTV.

Because of all the RTV and Right Stuff comments I have always assumed a gasket wasn't offered.

 

[Mirrajumper]