RTV vs bubber seal
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
So I looked in my 54 parts book and couldn’t find a seal listed (although that doesn’t mean much) and I can’t remember ever seeing one but when you think about it, what is it sealing, there are no fluids on either side, if its just to keep dirt / dust out then a little silicone would be fine. (subject to correction)
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Albany NY
Starter To Flywheel Housing Seal - 239, 272 & 292 V8 With 11" Clutch - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
RTV might make it difficult to remove the starter next time.
RTV might make it difficult to remove the starter next time.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 82
From: Oregon
Yes, there is a rubber dust seal that goes around the nose of the starter. It's just a dust, and moisture seal to keep crap out of the clutch housing. I'm with Ross, silicone could interfere with the grounding of the starter, unless you attach a ground strap at one of the starter bolts. The seal is available in reproduction. I actually almost bought one for the '54 I'm restoring, but the original was still completely intsct and not brittle. I believe it was Mac's over in New York that had them listed, but I would have to verify that.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,173
Likes: 4,780
From: Burbank, WA
I can see where a dust boot might be beneficial if the truck was driven and used like a truck, in fields and dirt roads, like life was 60 years ago. But the way these things are driven and cared for today, I don't think not having one there would be a big deal. I've never seen one on any other, more modern application. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. And I certainly wouldn't put silicone on the end to seal the bellhousing.
My 2c, fwiw.
My 2c, fwiw.
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