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10-08-2018, 11:06 PM | #1 |
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Diff leaking around the bolts
We've just returned from our National Model A rally. Over 1500 miles and the car didn't miss a beat. Averaging about 80 kph (50 mph) on the open road, it returned 23 mpg (that's about 18.5 to the US gallon, I think) Not disappointed about that but now that I'm home, I have a job to do on it.
I'm guessing that the guy who restored the P/U in Manitoba (Canada) didn't know what he was doing when he chased the threads in the diff centre and that left them too loose to seal. Oil leaks around the larger end of the axle housings - so much so that I had to top it up twice during this trip. If there is an easy and a hard way to do a job, I prefer the easy one so this is what I propose doing. I'd like feedback if my plans are unworkable so as to save me turning an easy way into something else. I devised this while driving and I think I have a way of doing this repair without the diff centre coming out of its bearings wich would make reassembly a PITA.
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10-08-2018, 11:35 PM | #2 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Are the bolts tight and not sealing or are the bolts not tightening up? Is it just leaking around the bolts? or are the housing bells leaking.
It its just the bolts not sealing but being tight you can take string and goob it up with avation #2 or #3 liquid wind the string around the bolt and tighten them up again. If the bells are leaking, bigger problem as the gaskets are shims as well as being gaskets. If you separate the bells you might or probably will destroy the gaskets. You may have to pull the rear end and do it right. Maybe the guru of rear ends, Tom Endy will chime in here. |
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10-08-2018, 11:40 PM | #3 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Since the housing gaskets set the carrier bearing preload that's a bad idea.Pull the assembly out of the car,set it up so you can work on it,spread spring and pull radius rods and go through the axle,search Tom Endy rear axle rebuild.
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10-08-2018, 11:42 PM | #4 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
...
Last edited by Benson; 10-09-2018 at 07:48 AM. |
10-08-2018, 11:50 PM | #5 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Before tearing it down drain and flush the banjo housing. Then just remove the bolts 1 at a time, clean them and use some blue locktite (my favorite) or gasket shellac. You might not have to do anything further.
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10-09-2018, 12:02 AM | #6 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
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10-09-2018, 12:05 AM | #7 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
I would re-torque all 20 banjo bolts to 35 ft. lbs. You will probably find that the two forward bolts on each side are loose. For some reason these four bolts tend to come loose. I believe there is some squirming of the rear axle housing that goes on.
If this does not stop the leaking, drain the banjo and remove each bolt one at a time and coat the threads with Indian Head seal and re-insert and re-torque. Tom Endy |
10-09-2018, 12:39 AM | #8 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Permatex # 2 works well, to seal the bolt threads, one at a time. Permatex # 2 will stick to bolt threads, even when they're slightly oily!!!---TRUST me on this one!!!
Bill Williamson
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10-09-2018, 01:21 AM | #9 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
I've got a diff here that I "rebuilt" when I didn't know what I was doing.
Leaks like a sieve too. |
10-09-2018, 01:33 AM | #10 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Thanks for the replies so far guys. I am aware that the gaskets set the peload on the carrier bearings and if one os so munched up that I have to replace it, I'd do so with one of the same thickness. I've tried taking the bolts out one at a time and sealing them but not with a piece of string (or cotton?). I am not aware of Indian Head sealer - never seen it here. This edit is because I have just googled Indian Head thread sealer. I found a blister pack for $US4.99 with delivery of $65.74. Welcome to our world!!
Looks like I will try to find some Permatex #2, drain the diff, clean the bolt threads and the female thread in the housing, wrap some cotton on it and reinsert, torque to 35 ftlb and pray. I also wondered about a soft(ish) flat washer under the head of the bolts and some yellow teflon tape.. I dismissed babana peels!
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10-09-2018, 01:44 AM | #11 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Use loctite 515 on the thre ads,if the gasket is RS, take the old one out measure the thickness,get a new one ,cut it so you can slip it ove the axle,saving pulling it all to bits,when you make the cut ,do it in a dovetail so when you assemble it it will not leak,and put some 515 on the dovetail ,put the dovetail join at the top.
We are having a great trip home,tonight at Warren, Car and Carol both going great. |
10-09-2018, 03:05 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
Does loctite 515 work on oily threads?
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10-09-2018, 08:11 AM | #13 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Modern sealants work better on antique cars than period sealants..permatex #2? indian head shellac? really?why not tamp a little oakum in there?
When you disturb a fixed housing adjustment you are basically resetting the preload. When you assume a leaking housing gasket is set at proper preload you make your first mistake,you double down by smearing sealant without regard to its loaded thickness altering the setting.Don't lowball your model A,do it right. |
10-09-2018, 08:13 AM | #14 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
You can get Indian Head on ebay.com.au from Lithuania for about $2.30 postage.
As it is a flamable liquid you might end up in the "midnight express" jail if you try to buy it. I'm sure someone on Fordbarn could send you a cake with a file in it, if that helps. "Modern sealants work better on antique cars than period sealants..permatex #2? indian head shellac? really?why not tamp a little oakum in there" From what I remenmber, when Mitch (a modern day mechanic) was on this forum, he used Indian Head and didn't have any leaks. Last edited by updraught; 10-09-2018 at 08:50 AM. |
10-09-2018, 08:49 AM | #15 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Come on, it's Australia, them's all outlaws down there, and they can bake their own cakes with files right there in the hoos-cow.
Seriously, Elvira has a minor version of this problem, and I did as Tom Endy suggests, with good success. Then, 6 months later, a few drips appeared again. Thourough cleaning and careful watching indicates leaking bolts again, not the gaskets. (I think!). Bolts are still tight, but seeping. (Best solution suggested by friends so far, run it without oil, when it burns up, replace it with one that doesn't leak. But, I'm going to not do that. I also rejected welding it all together. My friends are so helpful!) Might go for new bolts, and lots of thread hole cleaning, locktite on the threads since it should stay put, plus more string/Teflon tape to fill the gaps around the bell.. I don't like leaks, even small ones that only drip now and then.
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10-09-2018, 09:02 AM | #16 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
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10-09-2018, 09:13 AM | #17 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
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We used it on GM 6-71 diesels that leaked oil everywhere, worked great. Try the easy ways first, if they don't work then go to the more complicated way.
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10-09-2018, 10:36 AM | #18 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
Thanks for the SIMPLE approach! For the Guy that rips the rear end out & tears it apart, "someone" will say, "Might as well overhaul the trans, replace the clutch & don't forget the pilot bearing & dial in the bellhousing---SO where does it END????----!7 MONTHS later, the car's BACK on the ROAD AGAIN---NLOL Bill Simple
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10-09-2018, 11:27 AM | #19 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
From a newer member and A hobbyist.
I understand both sides of this. The; if it isn't broke don't fix it, and the as long as you are there, freshen worn parts. I read all the multiple opinions, and hopefully learn and retain the info. IMO it depends on the owner and the condition of the car. If the owner is not a mechanic, and car condition is unknown, perhaps best to inspect and freshen parts if things are disassembled for something else. Another reason is reliability and not constantly wondering what's next when condition is unknown. For the more experienced members with cars in great shape, known history of the car, cars well maintained, and are mechanics - I totally agree with just fix what is needed for the current issue. |
10-09-2018, 02:27 PM | #20 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
I prefer Permatex High Tack gasket sealant over #2. You can buy it in spray or brush on. I've used it on my differential housings, transmission, and over 6k miles no leaks. I also used Ultra Black under the head of the bolt and medium strength on the threads.
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10-09-2018, 04:49 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
It's nearly 9am here and I'm about to leave to check out what is available while bearing in mind what I has been suggested here.
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10-09-2018, 06:45 PM | #22 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
That Ultra Black rtv is really good stuff on super clean surfaces, but it won't adheare to oily surfaces. You must get all the oil out of the bolt holes if sealing the bolts is your goal, and that is near impossible on an A diff. I'm just sayin'...
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10-09-2018, 07:53 PM | #23 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
I have purchased flat washers with rubber on one side to use for general sealing. Use these or find a thread sealant sold locally. Ask your local mechanics what it is they would use I'm sure you can find similar products without having to import it.
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10-09-2018, 09:39 PM | #24 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Well, I've done the rounds of suppliers and not come up with anything. Every product I looked at, including Loctite 515 and Prmatex #2 (which is just another silicone) says the parts should be clean and dry so here's what I now thought I'd do.
After draining the oil and flushing, I can easily clean the bolts one at a time as I remove them. It is the female thread that causes the problem and for that, I thought I could use some carburettor cleaner squirted in through the hole and let it drain out the bottom. I could maybe also make up something like an oversized pipe cleaner to help. I don't really want to do this again so maybe I use some string or yellow teflon tape as well as Loctite 243 to seal things up. I'd also put the aluminium washers I made under the bolt heads. That is 3 different methods - surely that will shut it up!
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10-09-2018, 10:25 PM | #25 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Permatex #2 is not just another silicone.
There is no silicone in Permatex #2. Permatex #2 is a sealant that is alcohol based. Silicone based sealants were developed during the "Space Race". Permatex #2 was developed during WW2 to seal aircraft engine interfaces where precision mating surfaces needed to be sealed, and the variability of a squished paper gasket was unacceptable. |
10-09-2018, 10:49 PM | #26 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
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10-10-2018, 01:07 AM | #27 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
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10-10-2018, 01:08 AM | #28 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
That was the first thing I did - 35 ftlb. Sorry I didn't mention it but I agree, first things first
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10-10-2018, 01:31 AM | #29 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
It comes in a small tube, like toothpaste, and comes out like brown tar. It's a good sealer. There is also Pematex #1, which is the hardening type.
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10-10-2018, 01:36 AM | #30 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-no-2-sealant/
The middle one here looks the same as the one at Supercheap Auto. Should smell like alcohol ... Interesting article, looks like Hylomar is a good all rounder. Been sold here around the 60's or so. Rolls Royce product. https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/0...omment-page-1/ |
10-10-2018, 01:40 AM | #31 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
The original bolts are not the same dia as the reproductions. This is From Tom Endy's procedure,
"There are ten banjo bolts on each side of the banjo (20 total). These are special bolts; examine them to be sure they are original. They should have a space between the head of the bolt and the threads. This is to prevent oil from spiraling up the threads and causing an oil leak. The head of the bolt will also appear to be thicker than a normal bolt. It is best to use the original bolts and avoid the reproductions. Do not use lock washers with these bolts, as they will leak oil. "
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10-10-2018, 09:01 AM | #32 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
As Terry Burtz said: "Permatex #2 is not just another silicone. There is no silicone in Permatex #2."
https://www.permatex.com/wp-content/.../tds/80011.pdf Another trick you might try is copper washers under the bolt heads.
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10-10-2018, 02:23 PM | #33 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
Something interesting that lots of guys don't realize, is that silicone sealants and RTV sealants are a very different composition, and you should not use plain silicon sealer around oily stuff, it won't hold up. RTV is recommended for automotive uses, and will withstand that environment.
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10-10-2018, 04:49 PM | #34 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
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10-10-2018, 07:20 PM | #35 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Do you read the instructions on a beer can?
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10-10-2018, 07:25 PM | #36 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Why didn't I think of that???? Seal it with beer. Genious!
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10-10-2018, 07:43 PM | #37 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
How about some Gorilla glue, it is supposed to swell up and fill in all the gaps, but I doubt it would set in an enclosed space... Maybe some bacon rind, they made a lot of use of that back in the day...
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10-10-2018, 09:16 PM | #38 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
There are ten banjo bolts on each side of the banjo (20 total). These are special bolts; examine them to be sure they are original. They should have a space between the head of the bolt and the threads. This is to prevent oil from spiraling up the threads and causing an oil leak. The head of the bolt will also appear to be thicker than a normal bolt....From Tom Endy's informative article
found here.....http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...vised-2014.pdf Also, do not chase the female threads on the banjo as it will affect their ability to seal oil. |
10-10-2018, 09:33 PM | #39 | |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Quote:
There also seems to be oil excaping around the flange at the pinion. This guy was a lousy mechanic!!
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10-12-2018, 04:17 PM | #40 |
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Re: Diff leaking around the bolts
Often, we never hear how things turned out for the originator of a thread so I thought I'd report back.
It's been 36 hours now since I removed the bolts on at a time, cleaned the female threads and the bolts, put a washer on the bolt and silicone under it and Permatex #3 on the threads. Torqued them up to 35 ftlb and there are no leaks. I haven't driven it yet but so far, I'm a happy chappy. It was time consuming and fiddley and I'm pleased it is so easy to get at the diff under a P/U. Time well spent!
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