I am replacing the front main shaft seal and the lower seal on a SM465. The question is am I suppose to put silicon on the seals(gasket not rubber). My buddy who is an engine builder says no and that it will block the oil ports. I understand that but still can't find any manuals on rebuilding or assembling this tranny. Did some searching on the forum and found info on tranny but not alot on assembly, especially the seals part.


Any one know?

I used felpro gaskets with no rtv/silicone on mine when I rebuilt it and it leaks everywhere a seal is. When I do it again I will use rtv.

I used Permatex Indian Head Sealant. Which is a Shellac product. It'll essentially glue the paper gasket to the metal, but no RTV goo.
FWIW I have no clue what oil ports it would block. There arent any in either of those parts.

Originally posted by mike
I used Permatex Indian Head Sealant. Which is a Shellac product. It'll essentially glue the paper gasket to the metal, but no RTV goo.
FWIW I have no clue what oil ports it would block. There arent any in either of those parts.

There is an oil return passage for the front bearing retainer. I use UltraBlack on all the tranny's and tcases I rebuild, just use a small amount and be careful it does not squish into the return hole.

Originally posted by Keith


There is an oil return passage for the front bearing retainer. I use UltraBlack on all the tranny's and tcases I rebuild, just use a small amount and be careful it does not squish into the return hole.


Ok, thinking about it youre right. But like you said, smearing a small amount on the gasket wont block it. Been a while since I tore mine apart :D

you can use an "anabolic sealant" this type of sealant only dries in absense of oxygen. This means the sealant will only dry in between the mounting surfaces of the two metals...you dont even need a gasket--the anabolic sealant takes place of the gasket

Thanks for the info. I am going to replace the gaskets now. I will use only a small amount so that I don't kill it. The guy who built it put alot of silicon on and that is what worried me. Will find out though when I take it apart.

I used high-tack with paper gaskets on my 420 and worked perfectly.

Had a leak on one of the PTO covers. Found out that the bolt holes were pushed in causing an inproper seal. After some straightening of the plate with a hammer and some silicon the problem was fixed. Well I think so. I left it to completly dry before I fill it again. Will see.