Is this normal from the factory on a T56?

When I pulled my T56 away from the motor I found that the transmission front seal had been covered with some type of gasket/sealant/rtv...


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/618000-618999/618381_13_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/618000-618999/618381_14_full.jpg

My question: Is this normal from the factory?

I'm the original owner and didn't do this myself, that leaves either the dealer or a speedshop I used to replace the clutch a few years ago. Either way I wasn't informed that this had been done if its not original.

Can I change out this seal easily? (Wanted to ask first since I really cant see behind the gobbed on rtv) I should note, it was really oily/wet inside the bellhousing and on this face of the transmission when I pulled it apart. Couldn't tell if it was from an oil leak or or a transmission leak.

When I pulled my T56 away from the motor I found that the transmission front seal had been covered with some type of gasket/sealant/rtv...


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/618000-618999/618381_13_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/618000-618999/618381_14_full.jpg

My question: Is this normal from the factory?

I'm the original owner and didn't do this myself, that leaves either the dealer or a speedshop I used to replace the clutch a few years ago. Either way I wasn't informed that this had been done if its not original.

Can I change out this seal easily? (Wanted to ask first since I really cant see behind the gobbed on rtv) I should note, it was really oily/wet inside the bellhousing and on this face of the transmission when I pulled it apart. Couldn't tell if it was from an oil leak or or a transmission leak.

No. It didn't come from the factory that way. You can change the seal yourself. If you stand the tranny on end, you can remove the front cover without disturbing anything.

Off the top of my head I didn't think that surface was machined. It looks shiny around where the input shaft sits..... not sure what it means but maybe somebody tried to "quiet" a throwout bearing or something.

Definitly wierd,
TOM B

Think I'll look through my records to see if the dealer mentioned anything...

Like I mentioned, Never had this out of the car myself, the only places that did any transmission work is the dealer and a speed shop in Metro Detroit.