Scotty,
I've been a subscriber for years and value your expert advice. I own a 2007 Ford F150 STX 4.2L 6 cyl with 145,000 mlles. I have taken exceptional care since it was new, changing out fluids etc. religiously. I discovered a leak of ATF fluid on my driveway and traced it to a small crack in the tail shaft housing. It appears a repair may run $1500 or more. For the time being, I pressed Permatex Optimum Black into the fissure and the leak it all but gone - even after driving. Given the vehicle is 18 years old, should I monitor for long term success of the Permatex, or invest the funds to replace the housing?
Many Thanks,
MDS
If you plan to keep the truck any length of time you should replace the housing.
If you just want a temporary repair, JB Weld would probably work better than Permatex silicone. I've seen people repair external cracks in engine blocks with the stuff.
Thank you!