Crankcase Sealant

[simon.holyfield]

Quick question before I continue reassembling the W/NG engine.

I don't recall anyone talking about sealant on the crankcase halves. I don't think it's strictly necessary and I don't think Ariel used anything.

What do you all do?

[Simon.Gardiner]

Not strictly necessary, but Wellseal....

SG

[paul.jameson]

I think that Ariel did use a sealant - probably a shellac based compound. I tend to use a smear of Hylomar. I don't get leaks from the crankcase half joints because there always seems to be plenty of other places for the oil to escape.

[cmfalco]

Yamabond 4 holds my crankcase halves together. Oh, and a few bolts.

[john.bebb]

Sealant? - identify what the pros use - T. Hamlin & Co use Loctite SI 5699

[david.anderson]

Over the years I have used Rolls Royce gasket cement (remember when that was available), Hylomar, Silicone rubber and Yamabond or Three bond. All were successful. As Paul stated there are other areas more prone to leakage, the pressed metal sump plate being one. However for non spigotted crankcases such as the 4, I would only use Yamabond or equivalents such as Three bond or Toyota sealant which is more readily available. Locally, the Ford and General Motors dealers mechanics all purchase Toyota sealant (Yamabond equivalent) from the Toyota dealer for their engine work as it has proved to be the only sealant that never results in repair warranty issues due to an oil leak.
David