Kinda hard to explain as it's a feel sort of thing but I focused more on gently
wrench/socket tightening things up symmetrically with special attention to the
bottom bolts as that's were mine was leaking the first go round. Once I knew
the bolts were in there (not 100%) I really just watched the ooze and tried to
keep it to a minimum. I dunno, maybe an 1/8th of a turn or less into the ooze.
I remembered when I first took the cover off the bolts came out like butter
but the cover took a lot of prying and banging to finally come off so I know
the sealant is really strong and the bolts just kind of hold it in place.
To contrast that to the first time I did this, I remember a lot of the RTV
being pressed out as I tightened down the bolts but I don't know if that was
'cause it hadn't let it set-up or I had the bolts too tight. I really think
the key is to let the RTV set-up first.
Tom
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: DML: Leaking rear diff cover
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
Date: 6/22/00 8:21 PM
> Had the same thing happen to me when I put my locker in. Two things cured
it:
>
> 1.) After laying down a good thick bead of RTV Black, I tightened down
the
> bolts evenly but only hand tight/enough to hold it on and make contact all
the
> way around.
>
> 2.) I waited an hour after hand tightening to let the RTV set real good
before
> gently snugging them into place and filled her up with gear lube.
Tom,
First, thanks for the info, Secondly, after you let it set up for any hour,
how tight did you go with the bolts? I mean 'gently snugging' to me may be
too tight :)
I just assume that you hand tightened the bolts down initially and then
after the one hour set time you used a socket/ratchet to further tighten
them down, but they bolts were not 100% tight, correct? Thanks again,
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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