On my second attempt to reseal my steering box, and wonder if I am missing something... The box is a Saginaw with casting # 263587 and the cover is 263585... There are only two gaskets (Bottom/Side) plus the sector shaft seal... The problem is that oil seeps through the large center adjustment nut and the lower screws... The screws I can reseal again with sealant, but I am unsure that the same thing can work on the large adjusting screw... Posted photos are for reference only of identical box.
Quite honestly, I'm ready to forget about the oil and use corn head grease...
What's recommended for steering gears is NGLI 00 semi-fluid grease. You may be able to get some here.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
In addition to the good info above, applying a generous amount of anti-seize to the treads will help to prevent oil from creeping past the screw threads.
I am using NGLI 00 oil, specially designed for steering boxes... I realize now this is too fancy and expensive for a tractor! I used Napa Ultra Grey on the threads of the bolts, but apparently not enough... The problem seems to be also the threads on the large adjuster...
By gear oil I imagine you mean NAPA GL-1, but as I mentioned earlier, I am ready for corn head grease...
You might try non-hardening gasket sealer (Permatex No 2?) on those adjusting nut threads. Should fill the gaps better than the RTV you tried, although if you put enough of that on that it oozes out and then wipe it off, it should work. RTV requires that there's no oil or grease on the surfaces for a good seal.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I'll try the #2 Permatex, I have it and always used it, but somehow thought that I should use something more substantial... The grey RTV is supposed to be for valve covers and oil pans so, I thought I could use on the threads...;(
