Simple Differential Cover Gasket question

[CharlesHoward]

I'm about to do my second Diff Fluid Change (70K miles) since last 37K mile change with the stock cover (Mobile Synthetic Lube).

At that time, RTV Caulk was used to seal the cover.



I just recieved my Outlaw "upgrade" finned Ram's Head Differential Cover which came with RTV.



I previously purchased the OEM (?) Plastic 'ribbed' Gasket from Genos, which I intend to use since I paid for it... .



The Hayne's Repair manual suggests attaching the Gasket to the cover with RTV.



Should I put a thin bead of RTV on the cover and attach the Gasket to the new cover before mounting or just use the Gasket WITHOUT any RTV?



Since one benefit of the new Cover is a drain plug, I suppose I may never remove the Cover again.



Thanks!

 

[Prairie Dog]

If it's a flat surface then I wouldn't use any RTV, just the stock gasket which is very good quality IMO. I never have and neither did the factory and It has never leaked.

 

[Bill Weber]

Just make sure both surfaces & gasket are clean & install w/o silicone. Never had a problem.

Bill

 

[Prairie Dog]

No silicone, it should seal fine without it.

 

[rbattelle]

The stock gasket is almost like an o-ring. It's meant to seal without the need for any silicone.

I even bent mine one day and the thing still seals. Remarkably high quality.

Make sure it's clean and put a thin coat of diff oil on it before installation.

-Ryan

 

[Yo Hoot]

I had the stock reusable gasket on mine. It deteriorated along the bottom enough for me to not want to reuse it. None of the dealerships had any in stock and I had the thing opened up. I used the good Permatex oil and grease sealant. That stuff is excellent. I have no gasket and no leaks for two years now.