The Ford Barn

CallMeSki · 11-01-2024, 03:44 PM

1931 with a Borg-Warner Overdrive. Could one of you experts take a look at the picture and tell me why there would be a blob of silicone sealant on the end of the transmission? New to model As and to this forum, so please be patient if this is a dumb question.

mcgarrett · 11-01-2024, 04:14 PM

No dumb questions here...we're all still learning what we thought we already knew!

The silicone blob was likely applied to stop leaks where the gear shaft ends are exposed at the rear of the housing. If it's not leaking now, I would leave it alone and address it only if starts leaking.

Tom Endy · 11-01-2024, 04:28 PM

Most of the suppliers sell a device that fits over the ends of the two shafts. It is a small casting that attaches with the single bolt that retains the shafts. It serves the same purpose as the blob but looks a lot better.

Bratton's part number 10500 $18.25

It has nothing to do with A Borg Warner overdrive.

Tom Endy

Gene F · 11-01-2024, 04:32 PM

Someone wanted to save a few bucks... Of course the trans grease MAY have leaked down that far.

CallMeSki · 11-01-2024, 05:29 PM

That is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks everyone!

mcgarrett · 11-01-2024, 05:35 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

One more thing...the correct lube for the BW overdrive is 30 wt. engine oil. There are 2 fill locations in that transmission. One for the transmission gearbox itself, and one for the overdrive unit. Be SURE you have the proper oil level in BOTH sumps!

Tom Endy · 11-01-2024, 06:01 PM

Borg Warner overdrives are notorious for leaking the overdrive oil into the differential. The reason is all the BW's are cottage industry modification and the rear seal used is a grease seal, not an oil seal and the oil gets past it. It is prudent to check the oil level in the differential every few hundred miles to see if it is manufacturing oil. If it is, three things are likely happen.

1. You will not become a rich oil baron.
2.Oil will overflow the differential out to the brakes.
3. However, before that happens the overdrive will starve for oil and fail.

Tom Endy

11-01-2024, 04:14 PM	#2
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Corsicana, Texas Posts: 1,306	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. No dumb questions here...we're all still learning what we thought we already knew! The silicone blob was likely applied to stop leaks where the gear shaft ends are exposed at the rear of the housing. If it's not leaking now, I would leave it alone and address it only if starts leaking.

11-01-2024, 04:28 PM	#3
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,168	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. Most of the suppliers sell a device that fits over the ends of the two shafts. It is a small casting that attaches with the single bolt that retains the shafts. It serves the same purpose as the blob but looks a lot better. Bratton's part number 10500 $18.25 It has nothing to do with A Borg Warner overdrive. Tom Endy

11-01-2024, 04:32 PM	#4
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,476	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. Someone wanted to save a few bucks... Of course the trans grease MAY have leaked down that far.

11-01-2024, 05:29 PM	#5
CallMeSki Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2024 Posts: 2	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. That is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks everyone!

11-01-2024, 05:35 PM	#6
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Corsicana, Texas Posts: 1,306	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) One more thing...the correct lube for the BW overdrive is 30 wt. engine oil. There are 2 fill locations in that transmission. One for the transmission gearbox itself, and one for the overdrive unit. Be SURE you have the proper oil level in BOTH sumps!

11-01-2024, 06:01 PM	#7
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,168	Re: 1931 Coupe Borg Warner Question. Borg Warner overdrives are notorious for leaking the overdrive oil into the differential. The reason is all the BW's are cottage industry modification and the rear seal used is a grease seal, not an oil seal and the oil gets past it. It is prudent to check the oil level in the differential every few hundred miles to see if it is manufacturing oil. If it is, three things are likely happen. 1. You will not become a rich oil baron. 2.Oil will overflow the differential out to the brakes. 3. However, before that happens the overdrive will starve for oil and fail. Tom Endy