Honda Bond instead of transaxle gaskets? Nose cone length?

[phyregod]

Hey! We're pulling apart a '64 beetle transaxle. Differential, nose cone, etc. Its leaking from pretty much everywhere.

Question 1: Can I use Honda Bond (Honda gasket making sealant goo) instead of gaskets? I'd just do it but I'm not sure if that'll mess up the differential bearing clearances.. I'm a honda enthusiast and I use that stuff here and there. It's what Honda uses from the factory to seal their transmission cases. They never leak. Seems like a better option vs. paper gaskets.

Question 2: I ordered an aftermarket replacement nose cone and it's a little different. It has a threaded plug hole as well as a gasket at the tip of the nose. Seems like a better design for sealing, but the nose is something like 1/2" longer. Will it work? Or will that extra half inch interfere with the shift linkage?

[joey1320]

I'm not sure on the extra length but Honda Bond is the best thing ever for leaks. I would use it without the gasket.
_________________
**1971 Super Project
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

[[email protected]]

The diff side cover, and axle tube paper gaskets are used to set preloads, so you really need to keep them. You could try putting the sealant on the paper gaskets though.

[phyregod]

Thanks for the replies!

Any word on the nose cone? It's from IAP, Part number 113301205G. Supposed to fit type 1 61-72. Made in Mexico. Nose is ~half inch longer than stock.

The only way for me to really find out is to put the transmission back and run it through the gears. I don't want to go that far and find out it doesn't work.

It does have a seal on the tip. And my stocker does not. I see a brass bushing kit with the seal. Is the stocker supposed to have a seal at the tip surrounded in brass? It does not.

[[email protected]]

Install the nosecone, and shiftrod coupler, and see if it shifts through all the gears. It's been a while since I've messed with anything pre-65, but I don't see why it would not work. If your og nosecone isn't broken, Weddle makes a bushing that accepts a seal.
https://weddleindustries.com/products/1000167/1000698

[phyregod]

If the Weddle unit fits, I don't see why this aftermarket nose wouldn't. Good idea, pulling the coupler from the car.

[Bruce]

There's no need to test anything. The replacement nose cone you got will work. The extra length of it doesn't interfere with anything.
_________________

[phyregod]

Thanks!

[EA812]

I think the nose cone may be longer because it has an oil seal versus the older one didn't. I did this on my 65. Plus now you can install a reverse light switch in the threaded hole and hook up reverse lights if you want.
_________________
Project 66 Daily Driver http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=538786&highlight=
Herbie build
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=336044

[61SNRF]

Be aware early Nosecone gaskets have a portion that covers the mainshaft bearing providing a clamping force to hold the bearing firm. Sealant alone may or may not provide the same desired preload.

# 2 in this photo taken from the Gallery...

If I'm wrong Bruce will correct me!
_________________
-Bruce

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[Bruce]

The nose cone itself will provide the clamping.
I rarely use gaskets anymore.

Here's a tip for better sealing. Throw a sheet of 220 grit on a piece flat glass, then sand the sealing surface of the nose cone. They are always NEVER flat.
_________________