nicks in bell housing flange.

[rebars1]

Alpha 1: Getting ready to reinstall the outdrive and was cleaning off the bell housing mating surface when I noticed a few dents/gouges in it. Someone before me must have used a screwdriver to pry the outdrive from the bellhousing. Should I apply some perfect seal to this area before installing the gasket, or should I try to smooth it out with some JB and install the gasket dry?

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

i wouldnt use something that could crumble away. i would use the marine 4200 so it comes back off but not jb.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

Rebars, I usually use automotive silicone on the OD gasket. It should keep the nicks from leaking.

 

[ted655]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

Fair the surface with a large file to knock down any raised spots. The low spots will fill with the sealant.

 

[rebars1]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

OK to use sealant? How much imperfection in the surfaces can the gasket handle installed dry?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

I probably would use a 2 part epoxy to fill any nicks,let it cure and sand smooth.Also I've used auto body putty,as we have it in the shop.I install the gasket dry.It's really a pain removing gasket sealer the next time you pull the drive.

DHP

 

[ted655]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

Use Permatex sealant on the part that will be easy to scrape. This will keep the gasket from moving while fitting the parts. Use plain grease on the other side. Next time off, the parts come apart easily.

 

[rebars1]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

The gasket has a red line/bead of what looks like a sealant around the perimeter. Will the grease affect it?

 

[Don S]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

I'm with DHP, fix the gouges with some water proof expoxy sand it all smooth and flat. Paint it, Allow the paint to dry completely (Few days) and install the gasket dry.
If you use any sealer, you will have a heII of a time getting it off next time, and probably end up gouging the housing again trying to get the gasket off.

 

[rebars1]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

Sounds good. Thank you.

 

[rebars1]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

What epoxy do you recommend?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

I use MarineTex epoxy for anything on the boat - GREAT stuff!

 

[rebars1]

Re: nicks in bell housing flange.

I just remembered that I have some Interlux "Watertite" two-part epoxy. It should work OK.