Final Drive Coughing Up Gear Oil

Chazzer

Chazzer

Member
Sep 11, 2012
83
6
8
Southern Ontario
Gentlemen,

Does anyone have any idea why all of a sudden, out of the blue my final drive is losing its gear oil out the vent? This is on my 68 Toronado and not
the 78 Royale.

I started noticing a small puddle of fluid under the car and realized it was gear oil. I confirmed it was from the final drive. It is not over filled,
I removed the plug and actually had to add more fluid. I topped it up and took the car back out for a run, came back home, looked underneath and the
gear oil was coming out the vent.

I have been restoring this car for what seems like forever, I have gone through all the mechanicals including the final drive. There is perhaps 150
miles on the drive (and everything else) since it was overhauled, although it was probably done 7 years ago.

Thanks in advance, Jim

--
Jim Owens,

78 Royale,

Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
 
Perhaps the wrong gasket was used on the cover. It is a complex, 2 piece
gasket with a labyrinth that allows air past but not fluids. It works in
concert with the output flange seal on the drivers side of the final drive
case. If either one is not correct, it will leak as you have described.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

On Sun, May 26, 2019, 8:22 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Gentlemen,
>
> Does anyone have any idea why all of a sudden, out of the blue my final
> drive is losing its gear oil out the vent? This is on my 68 Toronado and not
> the 78 Royale.
>
> I started noticing a small puddle of fluid under the car and realized it
> was gear oil. I confirmed it was from the final drive. It is not over
> filled,
> I removed the plug and actually had to add more fluid. I topped it up and
> took the car back out for a run, came back home, looked underneath and the
> gear oil was coming out the vent.
>
> I have been restoring this car for what seems like forever, I have gone
> through all the mechanicals including the final drive. There is perhaps 150
> miles on the drive (and everything else) since it was overhauled, although
> it was probably done 7 years ago.
>
> Thanks in advance, Jim
>
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Jim,
If no one has any ideas on this. I would suggest taking it to Frank Borrmann. Great Gmc mech. He is about 60km north of you.
519-335-6257. His shop is in Bluevale
Scott.
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
 
Scott,

I know Frank well, great guy. I talked with him extensively before I bought our Royale as he had helped the PO install a Dick Paterson 455 in the 78.

What was kinda interesting was; my wife and I met Frank a couple times either at his shop or at a Heritage Cruiser Rally. One day at a Rally, Frank
was talking about his time growing up in Waterloo. Ontario. Then it hit me...I know this guy!

We semi hung out together through a mutual friend when these coaches were being sold brand new way back when we were 14 & 15 in the mid 70's!

So Frank is always an option.

Jim,

Thanks for the reply, I installed a Ragusa cover on the coach's final drive. It was so uneventful I can't even recall doing it. Weird that the gasket
cover may be the culprit, how many different ones could there be? It's definitely a mystery.

Here's a picture of the 68.

I bought the 68 in 2005, I should of sold it in 2009. Unfortunately I decided I really liked the car and you just don't see them around anymore.
So I decided to give it a full blown restoration. Bad move from a $$$ perspective as once I was knee-deep and had the car ripped into a million pieces
I kept coming across web sites in my parts searches that claimed parts are similar to the GMC Motorhome.

Next thing you know, we have the Royale and going on 9 years later on the 68 restoration it's almost done. $$$ flying out into both vehicles now....

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42782-jbo78.html

--
Jim Owens,

78 Royale,

Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
 
There are several versions of that gasket. There originally was a very
thick sandwich type gasket that had an internal labyrinth. It terminates at
the top where the 1/8" hole in the steel cover is. There is a steel piece
that fits under the head of the topmost screw, that shields the 1/8" hole
from debris. It also makes it hard to see that hole.
The only available gasket with a labyrinth included available today
consists of two gaskets stapled together. The part with the labyrinth cut
out goes towards the steel cover. I use high tack gasket adhesive in the
spray cans when I change those gaskets. I spray the cover, and the gasket,
let it tack up, then spray them again and stick the gasket to the cover. Be
absolutely certain that the 1/8" hole aligns with the labyrinth. If it does
not, twirl an 1/8" drill bit between your thumb and forefinger after the
cover is in place to open the vent. If you choose to use silicone, don't
plug the vent hole. The final drive will leak if you do. SOME GMCers have
gone so far as to drill the final drive case, tapped the hole, installed a
pipe elbow and clear tubing that terminates in a plastic bottle for a vent
system. Bunch of work in my opinion, but to each his own, I guess.
Jim Hupy

On Mon, May 27, 2019, 8:41 AM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Scott,
>
> I know Frank well, great guy. I talked with him extensively before I
> bought our Royale as he had helped the PO install a Dick Paterson 455 in
> the 78.
>
>
> What was kinda interesting was; my wife and I met Frank a couple times
> either at his shop or at a Heritage Cruiser Rally. One day at a Rally, Frank
> was talking about his time growing up in Waterloo. Ontario. Then it hit
> me...I know this guy!
>
> We semi hung out together through a mutual friend when these coaches were
> being sold brand new way back when we were 14 & 15 in the mid 70's!
>
> So Frank is always an option.
>
> Jim,
>
> Thanks for the reply, I installed a Ragusa cover on the coach's final
> drive. It was so uneventful I can't even recall doing it. Weird that the
> gasket
> cover may be the culprit, how many different ones could there be? It's
> definitely a mystery.
>
> Here's a picture of the 68.
>
> I bought the 68 in 2005, I should of sold it in 2009. Unfortunately I
> decided I really liked the car and you just don't see them around anymore.
> So I decided to give it a full blown restoration. Bad move from a $$$
> perspective as once I was knee-deep and had the car ripped into a million
> pieces
> I kept coming across web sites in my parts searches that claimed parts are
> similar to the GMC Motorhome.
>
> Next thing you know, we have the Royale and going on 9 years later on the
> 68 restoration it's almost done. $$$ flying out into both vehicles now....
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42782-jbo78.html
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
If nothing was done to the unit, then I suspect the Pinion seal leaking
trans fluid might be leaking into the final drive.

On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:41 AM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Scott,
>
> I know Frank well, great guy. I talked with him extensively before I
> bought our Royale as he had helped the PO install a Dick Paterson 455 in
> the 78.
>
>
> What was kinda interesting was; my wife and I met Frank a couple times
> either at his shop or at a Heritage Cruiser Rally. One day at a Rally, Frank
> was talking about his time growing up in Waterloo. Ontario. Then it hit
> me...I know this guy!
>
> We semi hung out together through a mutual friend when these coaches were
> being sold brand new way back when we were 14 & 15 in the mid 70's!
>
> So Frank is always an option.
>
> Jim,
>
> Thanks for the reply, I installed a Ragusa cover on the coach's final
> drive. It was so uneventful I can't even recall doing it. Weird that the
> gasket
> cover may be the culprit, how many different ones could there be? It's
> definitely a mystery.
>
> Here's a picture of the 68.
>
> I bought the 68 in 2005, I should of sold it in 2009. Unfortunately I
> decided I really liked the car and you just don't see them around anymore.
> So I decided to give it a full blown restoration. Bad move from a $$$
> perspective as once I was knee-deep and had the car ripped into a million
> pieces
> I kept coming across web sites in my parts searches that claimed parts are
> similar to the GMC Motorhome.
>
> Next thing you know, we have the Royale and going on 9 years later on the
> 68 restoration it's almost done. $$$ flying out into both vehicles now....
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42782-jbo78.html
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with transmission, engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can think
of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing down to bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and then
refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear till the cows left and came back home again!

So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm surprised I can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on these
toys.

Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add gear oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil appears to be
100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.

Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred miles and not
just leak right away?

Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at the end of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no. Back to
the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....

--
Jim Owens,

78 Royale,

Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
 
I'm about to install one. Is there a better set of gaskets to use to avoid
a similar situation?

On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:10 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with transmission,
> engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can think
> of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing down to
> bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and then
> refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear till
> the cows left and came back home again!
>
> So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm surprised I
> can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on these
> toys.
>
>
>
> Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add gear
> oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil appears to
> be
> 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
>
> Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
> wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred miles
> and not
> just leak right away?
>
> Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at the end
> of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no. Back to
> the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Because it needs to get hot enough to pressurize the gear case from heat
expansion. Short trips won't do it. But 40 or 50 miles at freeway speed
should.
Jim Hupy

On Mon, May 27, 2019, 5:10 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with transmission,
> engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can think
> of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing down to
> bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and then
> refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear till
> the cows left and came back home again!
>
> So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm surprised I
> can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on these
> toys.
>
>
>
> Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add gear
> oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil appears to
> be
> 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
>
> Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
> wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred miles
> and not
> just leak right away?
>
> Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at the end
> of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no. Back to
> the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Will,
If you use the wrong cover with the fill hole located higher, your going to
end up overfiling it without knowing.
I have supplied over 3 thousand of these and ran into lot of issues , so I
say listen to me and don't think you did all thing right.
There have been incorrect gaskets made of two parts. If you have one, put
it on the pan and see if the vent path is correct. If not sure take a pic
and send it to my cell (408) 639-0737. Be sure to put your name with it.

On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 5:38 PM Will via Gmclist
wrote:

> I'm about to install one. Is there a better set of gaskets to use to avoid
> a similar situation?
>
> On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:10 PM Jim via Gmclist

>
> > The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with transmission,
> > engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can
> think
> > of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing down
> to
> > bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and then
> > refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear till
> > the cows left and came back home again!
> >
> > So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm surprised I
> > can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on
> these
> > toys.
> >
> >
> >
> > Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add gear
> > oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil appears
> to
> > be
> > 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
> >
> > Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
> > wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred miles
> > and not
> > just leak right away?
> >
> > Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at the
> end
> > of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no. Back
> to
> > the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jim Owens,
> >
> > 78 Royale,
> >
> > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Jim Owens,
Here is a picture of a final drive vent hole with the gasket I think Jim Hupy might be talking about,

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/spring-maintenance-2019/p66296-breather-hole-in-final-drive-cover.html

its a fel-pro gasket from Rock Auto,

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/spring-maintenance-2019/p66293-final-drive-cover-gasket.html

and here is the shield that goes under the top bolt of the final drive cover.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/spring-maintenance-2019/p66290-final-drive-cover.html

On a similar topic, here is a link to a youtube video of Gale Banks from Banks Power showing what happens in a typical differential. He puts a clear
cover on it. It's interesting. https://youtu.be/9-yG3D3JBRs
--
Russell Keith,
1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
Onan, Dunedin, Florida
 
Thanks Jim - Will do

On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 12:18 AM Jim Kanomata via Gmclist <

> Will,
> If you use the wrong cover with the fill hole located higher, your going to
> end up overfiling it without knowing.
> I have supplied over 3 thousand of these and ran into lot of issues , so I
> say listen to me and don't think you did all thing right.
> There have been incorrect gaskets made of two parts. If you have one, put
> it on the pan and see if the vent path is correct. If not sure take a pic
> and send it to my cell (408) 639-0737. Be sure to put your name with it.
>
> On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 5:38 PM Will via Gmclist

>
> > I'm about to install one. Is there a better set of gaskets to use to
> avoid
> > a similar situation?
> >
> > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:10 PM Jim via Gmclist >

> >
> > > The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with transmission,
> > > engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can
> > think
> > > of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing down
> > to
> > > bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and
> then
> > > refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear
> till
> > > the cows left and came back home again!
> > >
> > > So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm surprised I
> > > can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on
> > these
> > > toys.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add
> gear
> > > oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil appears
> > to
> > > be
> > > 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
> > >
> > > Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
> > > wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred
> miles
> > > and not
> > > just leak right away?
> > >
> > > Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at the
> > end
> > > of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no.
> Back
> > to
> > > the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Jim Owens,
> > >
> > > 78 Royale,
> > >
> > > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Like I suspected, the cover was a wrong one that had the oil fill hole
about a inch higher , causing more grease to be filled.

On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 2:37 PM Will via Gmclist
wrote:

> Thanks Jim - Will do
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 12:18 AM Jim Kanomata via Gmclist <

>
> > Will,
> > If you use the wrong cover with the fill hole located higher, your going
> to
> > end up overfiling it without knowing.
> > I have supplied over 3 thousand of these and ran into lot of issues , so
> I
> > say listen to me and don't think you did all thing right.
> > There have been incorrect gaskets made of two parts. If you have one, put
> > it on the pan and see if the vent path is correct. If not sure take a pic
> > and send it to my cell (408) 639-0737. Be sure to put your name with it.
> >
> > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 5:38 PM Will via Gmclist <
> gmclist>

> >
> > > I'm about to install one. Is there a better set of gaskets to use to
> > avoid
> > > a similar situation?
> > >
> > > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:10 PM Jim via Gmclist <
> gmclist
> > >

> > >
> > > > The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with
> transmission,
> > > > engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you can
> > > think
> > > > of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing
> down
> > > to
> > > > bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and
> > then
> > > > refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear
> > till
> > > > the cows left and came back home again!
> > > >
> > > > So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm
> surprised I
> > > > can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working on
> > > these
> > > > toys.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add
> > gear
> > > > oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil
> appears
> > > to
> > > > be
> > > > 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
> > > >
> > > > Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
> > > > wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred
> > miles
> > > > and not
> > > > just leak right away?
> > > >
> > > > Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at
> the
> > > end
> > > > of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no.
> > Back
> > > to
> > > > the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Jim Owens,
> > > >
> > > > 78 Royale,
> > > >
> > > > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jim Kanomata
> > Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> > jimk
> > http://www.appliedgmc.com
> > 1-800-752-7502
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Beside the vent on the cover, there is a vent on the left side seal that
has a baffle with two small vent holes.
This is an OEM seal and not sold at parts stores.
Also the pinion seals, two thin seals that are mounted back to back.

> Like I suspected, the cover was a wrong one that had the oil fill hole
> about a inch higher , causing more grease to be filled.
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 2:37 PM Will via Gmclist

>
>> Thanks Jim - Will do
>>
>> On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 12:18 AM Jim Kanomata via Gmclist <

>>
>> > Will,
>> > If you use the wrong cover with the fill hole located higher, your
>> going to
>> > end up overfiling it without knowing.
>> > I have supplied over 3 thousand of these and ran into lot of issues ,
>> so I
>> > say listen to me and don't think you did all thing right.
>> > There have been incorrect gaskets made of two parts. If you have one,
>> put
>> > it on the pan and see if the vent path is correct. If not sure take a
>> pic
>> > and send it to my cell (408) 639-0737. Be sure to put your name with it.
>> >
>> > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 5:38 PM Will via Gmclist <
>> gmclist>

>> >
>> > > I'm about to install one. Is there a better set of gaskets to use to
>> > avoid
>> > > a similar situation?
>> > >
>> > > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 8:10 PM Jim via Gmclist <
>> gmclist
>> > >

>> > >
>> > > > The complete final drive unit was overhauled, along with
>> transmission,
>> > > > engine, a disc brake conversion and pretty much anything else you
>> can
>> > > think
>> > > > of....not to mention the countless hours stripping the whole thing
>> down
>> > > to
>> > > > bare metal, blocking and sanding primer till the cows came home and
>> > then
>> > > > refinishing in base clear and of course blocking and polishing clear
>> > till
>> > > > the cows left and came back home again!
>> > > >
>> > > > So many hours in the garage...and then I bought a GMC...I'm
>> surprised I
>> > > > can find the time to go to work. It's like a full time job working
>> on
>> > > these
>> > > > toys.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > Definitely is not leaking trans fluid into the unit as I had to add
>> > gear
>> > > > oil to bring the fluid level back up, plus the leaking gear oil
>> appears
>> > > to
>> > > > be
>> > > > 100% uncontaminated pure without any extra trans fluid in the mix.
>> > > >
>> > > > Jim Hupy appears to have a very plausible explanation although why
>> > > > wouldn't it leak from moment one? Why start after a couple hundred
>> > miles
>> > > > and not
>> > > > just leak right away?
>> > > >
>> > > > Only reason I can think of is; the restoration was seeing light at
>> the
>> > > end
>> > > > of the tunnel only a handful of small gremlins to address...and no.
>> > Back
>> > > to
>> > > > the garage and throw some more time and money at it.....
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > --
>> > > > Jim Owens,
>> > > >
>> > > > 78 Royale,
>> > > >
>> > > > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>> > > >
>> > > > _______________________________________________
>> > > > GMCnet mailing list
>> > > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> > > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> > > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > GMCnet mailing list
>> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Jim Kanomata
>> > Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
>> > jimk
>> > http://www.appliedgmc.com
>> > 1-800-752-7502
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > GMCnet mailing list
>> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Interesting stuff,

Thanks Russell, Jim H & Jim K

I'm currently away from home for a couple days, doing the work thing. We are heading out in the GMC for a few days after that. Hopefully I have a
moment before we leave to remove the cover off the Toro's final drive and see what's up with the gasket. Once removed I will track down a replacement
and install it correctly.

I've learned so much about that Toro since we bought our Royale and all this knowledge has come from the GMC Community. I never would have learned
otherwise. I've been very fortunate to have made contact with those that helpfully and willingly share their knowledge. I just wish I wouldn't have
been so far along with the mechanical restoration before I made contact.

Like the time the following spring after we bought the coach I took all (and I mean all) the Royale's front end parts off and drove to Dave Lenzi's
place. He diagnosed the Royale's parts explained all about the front bearings. He told me many guys don't know what their doing and bearings aren't
installed correctly and will fail very quickly.

I'm like...are you kidding me...I have a 68 Toronado at home that I'm restoring and just converted the front drums to later model disc brakes. I
bought all new bearings and seals for the spindles and had my local machine shop press them in. I left him all the Royale's front end parts to work
his magic on, went home removed the hubs from the 68 and took them with me back down to Dave's when the GMC parts we're finished. He looked at them
and sure enough the seals and bearings were installed incorrectly...failure would have been eminent once (if ever) it was on the road!

Things weren't quite so complex restoring a Pontiac or Ford. I just bought the Toro cause I thought it was a cool looking car...never imagined it
would lead me down a road where I would end up knee deep in two complex vehicles...


--
Jim Owens,

78 Royale,

Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
 
Finally found the time to remove the final drive cover and see what's going on.

There was not a gasket only silicone on the flange area of the final drive cover

This had me feeling assured this was the problem with the fluid exiting the vent hole.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66464-img-4285.html

I then removed the gasket from the package, placed it on the cover and then realized that there wasn't a small hole in the flange area at all.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66466-img-4291.html

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66465-img-4290.html

I went oh-oh, I don't believe it matter that this cover was sealed with a ribbon of silicone after all as the air vents out the long vent tube which
does not exit through the flange area but is more in the central are of the cover.

Now I'm very concerned that perhaps the other seals may have been incorrectly installed and they are not venting built up pressure as they should.
This in turn is causing pressure to build and the gear oil to puke out the vent.

If this is the scenario, what are my options to rectify it?

Do I need to remove the final drive, have it torn apart and have the seals installed correctly?

Is there any other way I can devise away to vent out the final drive of pressure so it does not push out the fluid?

Thanks in advance, Jim

--
Jim Owens,

78 Royale,

Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
 
That vent tube is not factory. When installed, if it is subject to oil
sign-off from the ring gear, and is not routed up towards the hatch cover
before it points down, it will leak. Sounds like a fix that didn't.
Jim Hupy
Salem,Oregon
78 GMC ROYALE 403

On Sat, Jun 15, 2019, 4:22 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Finally found the time to remove the final drive cover and see what's
> going on.
>
> There was not a gasket only silicone on the flange area of the final drive
> cover
>
> This had me feeling assured this was the problem with the fluid exiting
> the vent hole.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66464-img-4285.html
>
>
> I then removed the gasket from the package, placed it on the cover and
> then realized that there wasn't a small hole in the flange area at all.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66466-img-4291.html
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66465-img-4290.html
>
>
> I went oh-oh, I don't believe it matter that this cover was sealed with a
> ribbon of silicone after all as the air vents out the long vent tube which
> does not exit through the flange area but is more in the central are of
> the cover.
>
> Now I'm very concerned that perhaps the other seals may have been
> incorrectly installed and they are not venting built up pressure as they
> should.
> This in turn is causing pressure to build and the gear oil to puke out the
> vent.
>
> If this is the scenario, what are my options to rectify it?
>
> Do I need to remove the final drive, have it torn apart and have the seals
> installed correctly?
>
> Is there any other way I can devise away to vent out the final drive of
> pressure so it does not push out the fluid?
>
> Thanks in advance, Jim
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
OIL SLING-OFF. Darn spell check.
Jim Hupy

> That vent tube is not factory. When installed, if it is subject to oil
> sign-off from the ring gear, and is not routed up towards the hatch cover
> before it points down, it will leak. Sounds like a fix that didn't.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem,Oregon
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> On Sat, Jun 15, 2019, 4:22 PM Jim via Gmclist

>
>> Finally found the time to remove the final drive cover and see what's
>> going on.
>>
>> There was not a gasket only silicone on the flange area of the final
>> drive cover
>>
>> This had me feeling assured this was the problem with the fluid exiting
>> the vent hole.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66464-img-4285.html
>>
>>
>> I then removed the gasket from the package, placed it on the cover and
>> then realized that there wasn't a small hole in the flange area at all.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66466-img-4291.html
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66465-img-4290.html
>>
>>
>> I went oh-oh, I don't believe it matter that this cover was sealed with a
>> ribbon of silicone after all as the air vents out the long vent tube which
>> does not exit through the flange area but is more in the central are of
>> the cover.
>>
>> Now I'm very concerned that perhaps the other seals may have been
>> incorrectly installed and they are not venting built up pressure as they
>> should.
>> This in turn is causing pressure to build and the gear oil to puke out
>> the vent.
>>
>> If this is the scenario, what are my options to rectify it?
>>
>> Do I need to remove the final drive, have it torn apart and have the
>> seals installed correctly?
>>
>> Is there any other way I can devise away to vent out the final drive of
>> pressure so it does not push out the fluid?
>>
>> Thanks in advance, Jim
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jim Owens,
>>
>> 78 Royale,
>>
>> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
 
We are the most experienced in ten bolt cover final drive.
If you lack knowledge on the priciples of venting the unit your wasting
your time.
Why not confer with me and I will advise you.
You can aquire parts from others as I'm not after your funds, just want to
show you what I know and the free time to do so.

On Sat, Jun 15, 2019 at 8:26 PM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> That vent tube is not factory. When installed, if it is subject to oil
> sign-off from the ring gear, and is not routed up towards the hatch cover
> before it points down, it will leak. Sounds like a fix that didn't.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem,Oregon
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> On Sat, Jun 15, 2019, 4:22 PM Jim via Gmclist

>
> > Finally found the time to remove the final drive cover and see what's
> > going on.
> >
> > There was not a gasket only silicone on the flange area of the final
> drive
> > cover
> >
> > This had me feeling assured this was the problem with the fluid exiting
> > the vent hole.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66464-img-4285.html
> >
> >
> > I then removed the gasket from the package, placed it on the cover and
> > then realized that there wasn't a small hole in the flange area at all.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66466-img-4291.html
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66465-img-4290.html
> >
> >
> > I went oh-oh, I don't believe it matter that this cover was sealed with a
> > ribbon of silicone after all as the air vents out the long vent tube
> which
> > does not exit through the flange area but is more in the central are of
> > the cover.
> >
> > Now I'm very concerned that perhaps the other seals may have been
> > incorrectly installed and they are not venting built up pressure as they
> > should.
> > This in turn is causing pressure to build and the gear oil to puke out
> the
> > vent.
> >
> > If this is the scenario, what are my options to rectify it?
> >
> > Do I need to remove the final drive, have it torn apart and have the
> seals
> > installed correctly?
> >
> > Is there any other way I can devise away to vent out the final drive of
> > pressure so it does not push out the fluid?
> >
> > Thanks in advance, Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jim Owens,
> >
> > 78 Royale,
> >
> > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have a cover on a FD that I have in storage that has that same vent setup on the cover. I suggest that it is a factory vent used on the FD used on the automotive version that was used on the Tornado and Cadilac Eldorado. Installation does not appear to be something that was added aftermarket.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/general-pictures/p66469-img-24382.html

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/general-pictures/p66468-img-24371.html

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States Charter Member
GMCMI
78 GMC Buskirk 29.5’ Stretch
75 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

>
> That vent tube is not factory. When installed, if it is subject to oil
> sign-off from the ring gear, and is not routed up towards the hatch cover
> before it points down, it will leak. Sounds like a fix that didn't.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem,Oregon
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> On Sat, Jun 15, 2019, 4:22 PM Jim via Gmclist
 
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