Oil Leaks

[Tom Bahner]

Hey guys, I'm having a local shop try and seal up some of the leaks on Ol Blue, '63 SDV. I've got a couple questions.

Has anyone replaced the tranny shift shaft seal, are they available? Is it doable without a total tear down?

I already have the pan, rear main, valve cover gaskets. I've read all the  war stories about rear main, and various other problems. Anyone ever seen rubber valve cover gaskets? All I can find is cork rubber.

Thanks for any info.

Tom B

[Jason Edge]

I prefer the thick cork valve cover gaskets. I would never use one of those thin rubber valve cover gaskets. With a straight valve cover that has not been overtightened (they can be bent back with boards and a heavy hammer if they have), and the correct thick cork gasket (no sealant needed) and torqued to 28 inch lbs (2 1/3 ft lb), it should never leak. 

[Tom Bahner]

Thanks all. Not so concerned about valve covers and will pass along info on pan and rear main seal, contact cement, etc.

Only questions left is on tranny. I assume the dip stick tube is just an O-ring. What supplier has the shift shaft seal? Is it doable in car at same time? Thanks all.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

The trans dip stick tube is an O ring recessed in the hole of the trans.  Taking the pan off and going through the bottom of the trans would be the best way. I did mine with the engine out and through the top. 

Just use the black form a gasket RTV at the base of the dip stick and follow the instructions. 

[Tom Bahner]

Thanks for all the info. I feel a little more confident in getting some decent results on this adventure.

Tom B