dave1123

I once owned an 81 Citation 2.8 V6 and my valve covers started leaking. Because this engine was new to Chevy, I went to the dealer for the gaskets. The parts counter man snickered and went away and came back with a tube of RTV. I said "Is that it?" He said "That's it!" I said "Sorry to bother you. I've got a ton of that!" I found Chevy hadn't even machined the gasket surface on the heads!

As far as the diff gaskets are concerned, if they come off in one piece without tears, you can use them again with RTV. I've also used a rubber cement based brush applied stuff from Permatex.

Xj88

Id go straght for lube locker

dave1123

Whatever blows up your skirt! You can use anything that doesn't make it leak. I've even made gaskets from paper grocery bags rubbed with RTV! (That actually works quite well!) I've used .30 caliber shell cases to punch bolt holes. Sometimes you've got to use whatever is available.

The best one I've seen so far is to put rear axle lube in sandwich bags and put them in the diff before installing the cover. They used the old lube drained before welding up the spiders. Those dirt track guys will do anything!

JAYSSICKXJ

I agree with everyone.. I use Ultra Black RTV.. put it on and never had a leak. Tranny and Diff's.

DieselD

Don't put it on the trans pan!

I spent an hour cleaning that **** off today. Rubber trans pan gasket. Never had one leak. Easy to clean when/if you drop the pan.

Its your XJ though lol.

dave1123

[QUOTE=DieselD;2521845]Don't put it on the trans pan!

I spent an hour cleaning that **** off today. Rubber trans pan gasket. Never had one leak. Easy to clean when/if you drop the pan.

Tiny bits of RTV like to find their way into valve bodies and solenoids. I like Permatex Spray-a-Gasket in tranny pans. Spray the gasket, NOT the pan.