[Bob Carriere]

Hi Phil

We have discussed the same concerned and have NO solution to offer.

We are concerned that the shim pack will act literally as a "capilary" to allow oil to leak. Some of my shims had developed a rust bloom..... which we carefully removed by rubbing against a 600 grit sand paper...... pretty tricky with a 3 mil shim....

I had carefully tied every shim pack to each cover. Because I was installing new bearings and race I tried to eliminate a few shim.... but in every case the bearing load was too much to turn the shaft by hand until all shims plus one paper gasket where installed.

I have learned... from having to do everything twice to silicone glue only one side of the paper gasket...... we also discussed the value of the one paper gasket..... when you have 5 or 6 shims.... and where should the darn paper gasket be located..... as if it made any difference.

As you mentioned synthetic oil has a tendency to leak more easily and putting silicone between each shim will definitely add to the thickness.......

Should we worry or is it to be part of the anti rust process....??

Any advice from our esteemed experienced world wide audience????

Just to add insult ot injury...... I either am short 4 bearing races or misplaced them as usual...... so I am off to order 4 more and a much needed speedy sleeve for the PTO shaft to prevent chewing up the new seal....

It never ends......

BooB