Sealer between bell housing and engine plate

[Blkvoodoo]

Any particular reason there would be sealer (orange RTV in this case) between the bell housing and the engine plate ?
Not just certain places, the whole outer edge.
I’m in process of splitting machine to replace throw out bearing (20years old and screams on occasion) and I’m seeing this.

There should be nothing in there “wet” that should require

B2400HSD

Opinions ?

 

[lugbolt]

Pretty much SOP. Kubota uses liquid gasket on everything including the bellhousing even though there's no fluid inside to seal. Kubota's stuff is usually gray or white. Somebody's been into it before if it's orange.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It is to seal out moisture, so the clutch disk and other parts do not rust when used in wet conditions, so yes seal it back up when you close it up.

 

[Blkvoodoo]

It is to seal out moisture, so the clutch disk and other parts do not rust when used in wet conditions, so yes seal it back up when you close it up.

That actually makes sense.

I figured there was a reason, just found it odd, in all the equipment I've worked on I've never seen that, just wondered if it was a former owner "add on", and that it is orange tells me it probably has been apart before. I've had the machine 8 years, throwout bearing is the only issue Ive had so far, other than hoses belt and a seized dynamo that got converted to alternator.

its 20 years old, I figure somethings gotta give....

in the middle of splitting it now, trying to figure out the hydraulic piping and the best way to not destroy it.

I've worked on forklifts and other equipment for years, this has been a schooling, things are kinda different, in a good way. packaging is a bit more compact than most stuff I work on.
a lot of things going on under the pretty parts.

 

[lugbolt]

You haven't lived until you've had to split a B20/B21/B26. Twice as much crap in the same package. I hate them. Those and the BX's both. I'd just as soon split a 9960 than a BX

 

[Blkvoodoo]

Got it apart today, weather yesterday prevented anything being done.
A lot of crap to remove this get to this point.

Inside was dirty, but slightly wet, oily. Cleaned up easy enough with brake clean.

Awful tiny package all said.

Is most of the way back together now, will have it running tomorrow.
Reassemble dash, fill trans install body work. Take it for a cruise.