is it ok to use RTV on the rear diff cover? i'm using a normal fel-pro one right now and its leaking ever since the last time i did it...

 

The guy who installed my gears put the gasket on incorrectly the first time so it was leaking like a bitch. When I brought it back, he put on a new cover, a new gasket, and used grey RTV, and hasn't leaked a drop since.

 

Everytime I change the rearend oil, I never replace the gasket, if I dont' have to...just be careful not to tear it..and then, I "load" on the RTV..Never leaked a drop...

 

I use RTV but you don't need to glob it on. just think if you use a ton of it and you can see what spreads out on the out side is going to be on the inside too. I put like a 1/8" bead around it. Any more and you are waisting the sealer. make sure you go around every bolt whole too.

 

I'm cheap. RTV only. No problems.
http://www.97ta.com/trans_am_photos/transam40.jpg

 

My manual says use RTV on the cover and a gasket. I used copper RTV. No problems.

 

just get the gasket, it is only like four dollars. I used the gasket with a small bead of rtv on both sides. No leaks. BTW, dont tighten it too much, just snug.

If you havent heard you need the gm diff additive too, it is about 8 buck from the dealer.

 

I've never used RTV, just the GM gasket. Never leaked. I don't want RTV getting squished into my diff oil on the inside.

Dan