Flushing Out Diff?

[bmwman91]

So, the 4.10LSD I bought like 4 months ago is FINALLY going to get installed this coming weekend. I am spending a little time after work this week cleaning it all up and I will be coating the cast iron body in PVC undercoat. I might do the aluminum cover too, and mask off the pitifully small heat fins but that remains to be seen. It oughtta look sharp when I finish.

Anyway, the thing had silicone RTV holding the cover on as opposed to the actual gasket. Some of the stuff has left tidbits inside the unit, and there is a little bit of crud in there too, probably fell in when I ripped the cover off.

So, what can I flush the thing out with? I don't want to damage the clutch pack things or any other parts for that matter. Is there anything I can use other than a ton of diff fluid? I'd prefer to not waste a bunch of it. Thanks people!

[Wise Old Dog]

Use a spray can of brake cleaner. It rinses and then dissipates very quickly. The silicone you see may be silicone gasket maker. It is used frequently in shops, and works well. Does not leak if done properly. Might be better than the paper gasket. I use it myself.

[bmwman91]

Hmm alrighty then.  I'll go load up on more Brakleen and some heavy duty silicone RTV.  The previous owner said he was using it instead of the actual gasket.

So, the brake cleaner does not harm the clutch packs or anything?

[Wise Old Dog]

I've used brakeclean several times over the years. I like to make sure things are clean inside as well. Never had a problem. I figure that the clutches go through a lot worse in normal use.
I use the "blue" silicone. Make sure you clean the mating surfaces real good with brakeclean, acetone, or lacquer thinner and clean rags. Apply the silicone lightly, most of it will squeeze out. Only finger tighten the bolts and let it set up for an hour or so. then come back and tighten. Trim it with a razor or knife. I've never had a leak with silicone.

[bmwman91]

Sweet, thanks!

[kowalski]

+1 on brakeclean

[Cobra Jet]

Here's another tip -

Stop using the standard, low quality "RTV" sealants...  Do yourself a favor and go to your local Auto Parts store and pick up a can of "The Right Stuff".  For Domestic vehicles, the color of the sealant will be black, for all other (non-domestic/import), the color of the sealant will be a Navy Gray color.

This sealant is THE BEST out there and seals perfectly for any and all engine, drivetrain and "other" applications.  The product is a "torque & go" product do to it's quick drying time (It's good to operate the item that was repaired/regasketed within 5 minutes of applying the product).  It also withstands nearly any type of fluid (gas, oils, coolant, etc) and it also fills in any/all types of scratches, indentations, etc in metal surfaces.  once applied properly, there are no leaks.  It also lasts quite a long time and the black or gray colors are not "obscene" for use w/ engine rebuilds, rear end rebuilds, regasketing surfaces that would be seen, etc.

It's a little more $$$ than the regualr RTV, however as I said above, the product is EXCELLENT and surpasses the quality, sealing properties & longevity of the normal RTV's available (reds, blacks, grays, clears, blues, oranges, etc).

I have used this product on engine rebuilds, for misc. sealing or using in place of gaskets, on rears, etc..  My best friend also uses the product as well and we won't use any other RTV after using The Right Stuff...

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Online info about the product (copied & pasted):

To ‘torque and go,’ have the Right Stuff

Mechanics continue to discover the benefits of the Right Stuff by Permatex, a supplier of products that meet the needs of professional vehicle technicians and do-it-yourselfers.

The Right Stuff is an elastromeric instant rubber gasket maker that fits many applications easily and quickly. Permatex says instant, form-in-place gaskets such as the Right Stuff are more reliable than cut gaskets made of cork, paper, or felt, particularly in areas where flanges, pans, and covers are repeatedly moved and adjusted. Such areas are subject to leakage and performance impairment if not properly sealed.

“The Right Stuff is a ‘torque-and-go’ product which will fit every application perfectly every time,” said Mitch Bolinsky, senior product manager at Permatex.


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The Right Stuff for "Imports" (all Euro, Asian, Swiss, etc):
http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/Permatex_the_Right_Stuff_for_Imports_Gasket_Maker.htm

The Right Stuff for all other:
http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_the_Right_Stuff_Gasket_Maker.htm