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Hi, My 1932 902 differential is leaking at the bolts that connect the front section to the center section. I tightened the bolts and it is still leaking. Is there supposed to be a gasket between the front and center sections of the differential? If so where do I go to get it? More importantly, is this an easy fix? I'm not a mechanic and am concerned that I might mess it up more by opening this up. Thanks for your help.

Dear Curtis:

Yes there is supposed to be a gasket.

However, if you don't want to tear the whole car apart you can try the following stop gap method:

a) drain the differential oil and let unit drip over the a few weeks.

b) using pre-sol, scrapers, rags, etc clean the surfaces methodically.

c) apply a high quality silicone sealer around the joint and let cure over 24 hours.

d) make sure the vent is not clogged.

This might avoid removing the axles, drive shaft, etc etc to replace the gasket.

Good luck

Thanks, Tim for the response. I don't mind taking the time to replace the gasket, but I'm wondering. Are there some special presses or tools I'd need to do the job? Also, what kind of gasket do I use and where do I get one? Or do I need to make it myself?

I've used silicone on other things and it just doesn't seem to last.

Thanks for your help.

Curtis

Dear Curtis:

Modern cars are using sealer as the only gasket for differentials and so I have complete faith in the better products. One sealer that is really good is Chrysler ATF RTV Transmission Silicone Sealer. It cures in the presence of transmission oil and is used on tranmission covers sans any gasket. Another good one is Permatex Super Blue and Permatex Right Stuff. I have been able to use the products to make non-pressure dynamic seals which means they are really good.

To make sealers work, the surfaces need to be meticulously cleaned and free of high burrs and old gaskets.

A method I use on tough jobs like the Packard Ultramatic is to screw everything together snug and then let the sealer cure for 24 hours or more. Then I torque the parts and compress the sealer for an impervious gasket.

For your differential you don't have to worry about pre-loads because the unit is a 3/4 floater and comes out as a unit. A 1/64th inch thick gasket (.015) is the best but 1/32 (.030) will do. You can get these via the Felpro catalogue from NAPA etal, or online from McMaster-Carr.

And yes I would use sealer to put the parts back together even with gaskets.

Hope everything here helps.

Thanks Tim, I'll give it a go. ...and share it along the way.