Separating RTV Sealed parts?

[hilltopfarm]

I'm trying to separate my tranny from my Transfer case. I took out all the bolts, but there is a thin layer of black RTV between the parts. No matter how hard I pry, I cannot separate the two. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Rangurr]

I've always used a razor blade between the two. If you can get a thin screwdriver between the two without screwing up the mating surfaces too bad, this will make your life easier. Just start the screwdriver up top and work your way around, slowly prying as you go. It may also help to buy a handle like this for the blade (I always use one of these when doing this type of thing on machines)

You can, however, always just use a plain razor blade instead.

Hope this helps

 

[hilltopfarm]

Thanks man I'll try that and see if I can pop it apart that way.

 

[Doofy]

If you have the room for good swings...a big rubber mallet.

 

[hilltopfarm]

Yes, I tried what Rangurr said, and I'm sure it would work if I could get something between the two parts. I broke a screw driver on the thing and it would not budge enough to get a razor blade into it. I don't have a rubber mallet, but I can get one tomorrow. Man that RTV is like glue

 

[hilltopfarm]

One other thing, I didn't mention that the tranny and t-case are out of the vehicle, I removed them as a unit.

 

[Rangurr]

Ooh, that makes things easier. I know you said you took out all of the bolts but it never hurts to double check (5 bolts, I believe). Now, if you buy the razor blades with the folded over edge on the back side

Then you should be able to tap it between there with a hammer... Just little hits one at a time. It's a pain but it's doable! I would personally get a bunch and slowly tap them in all around. Pictures of what you're working with could help (even though everyone is just going to look at it and say "yup... that's a transmission and transfer case").
I'd put my money on a missed bolt if it's really having that much trouble. That seal can really be a pain to work with though... Wiggle and pull!!!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Fairly gentle with a deadblow/rubber hammer is the best way to go IMO.

Try to pry and you stand a really good chance of screwing up the gasket surface, to me that is a last ditch effort.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Part of the stuck is probably the splines joining the two pieces. I've done a lot of yanking and prying to get them moving before. When I put them back together I always grease the splines in hopes of making it easier for the next time.

 

[txgocartB3000]

Is it RTV or is it "THE RIGHT STUFF"?

RTV is doable but the right stuff is the debil when trying to get apart.

Won't leak but you will pay trying to get it apart.

Good luck in your situation.

Ray

 

[projectnitemare]

If you have room a big a$$ pry bar will do the trick. Most times that can only be done while on a lift.

 

[FritzTKatt]

Remember there should also be a locating pin, so they will want to come straight apart.

 

[hilltopfarm]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I took it and my tranny to the place that is rebuilding my tranny. The guy at the shop looked at the two and put a bolt halfway back into its threads, then took a long pry bar and popped it apart. He said that is the easiest way to get them apart.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Thanks for posting your solution, that should help the next guy.

Richard

 

[FritzTKatt]

So he whacked the bolt head to get the pressure to push them straight apart?