<VV> Top Cover Bolt Finally Removed

[Jim Simpson]

My usual approach is to rub RTV gasket sealant by finger into the gaskets, 
putting a thin, tacky film on them.  So far, knock on wood, I haven't had 
any problems with leaks or bits of RTV coming loose and getting into the oil.

Here's another sealant you might consider.  While perusing the Pegasus 
racing parts catalog (PegasusAutoRacing.com) I came across Hylomar and 
Wellseal sealants.  These are listed as flange seals, "perfect for sealing 
gearbox covers or any other parts that need to be disassembled easily and 
without a lot of scraping to clean up the residue."  Seals gaps to 0.010" 
and never hardens.  "...is an excellent gasket dressing..."  I'm going to 
give it a try next time I build an engine.

You may also want to use some self locking bolts.  Clarks sells "shake 
proof" bolts -- basically they have serrated undersurfaces on their heads 
that bite into the cover aluminum.

Jim Simpson, Group Corvair, '66 Corsa turbo


At 10:23 AM 3/1/2004 -0500, Jim McLott wrote:

>Now that I'm ready to put the top cover back on the engine, should I apply 
>some sort of sealant or whatever to the two gaskets that go above and 
>below the crankcase vent baffle plate?  The shop manual doesn't mention 
>anything, and I vaguely recall something in the Tech Guide about using 
>petroleum jelly, but I'd like to know what VV suggests.
>
>Again, thanks for all the advice,
>
>Jim McLott & Christine, the 1966 Monza convertible she-devil
>Member: CORSA, Corvair Atlanta & Group Red