The Ford Barn

OLD AS I · 04-09-2017, 02:13 PM

Am about to connect transmission to drive shaft, ('46 59 engine) the cork seal that goes in the 2 piece cap for the universal joint, its perhaps 3/8" x 1/4", am afraid to bend it, what can be used to soften the cork material, light oil, heated water, steam, heated oil ????

Lawson Cox · 04-09-2017, 02:43 PM

Warm water. Someone makes a rubber seal that works pretty well too.

trevo · 04-09-2017, 06:08 PM

I recently replaced the cork halves massaged a little heavy oil into them all up and running now no issues

Old Henry · 04-09-2017, 09:38 PM

New one is in this tranny gasket set from C&G for $7.95: https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/cgca...&sp=Search+%23

OLD AS I · 04-10-2017, 05:50 AM

Old Henry
Yes, thanks, have sets from Drake and feel they are fairly new, just would like to take that extra step. Also am in Canada and getting items from the US doubles in cost when taking in to consideration shipping, duties, currency exchange, brokerage fees and the time for shipment.

19Fordy · 04-10-2017, 08:13 AM

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I know that there are folks who swear by the traditional cork seal and there are those who swear at it. Since my rear end is out I checked the cork seal which had been in place for about 48 years and found it to be whole and in place but, very brittle and no longer "swelled up" for maximum sealing. Wish there was a way to reduce Canadian costs. There's a blue O-ring style neoprene seal on Ebay that has good reviews.

Gary Tosel · 04-10-2017, 05:55 PM

When I installed the cork seals, I soaked them in engine oil.

Another item to observe is that back many years ago, the cork seal was shaped with two sides longer than the other, not square. This shape allows the cork to form better between the clam shell and the ball shaped part of the drive shaft. I have them in my car over 20 years and no leaks. Just my 2 cents worth.

J Witt · 04-11-2017, 08:59 AM

I use vaseline on the cork joints on my horn (oboe) and it keeps them in good, pliable condition. It doesn't last too long, though. I'd think that the lubricant that's being sealed in would keep the cork pliable after installation.

If there is a modern rubber seal material that fits, that would be a better bet. I expect the amount of sitting some of these cars do would tend to let the cork dry out.

04-09-2017, 02:13 PM	#1
OLD AS I Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Oakwood, ON Canada Posts: 251	how to soften cork Am about to connect transmission to drive shaft, ('46 59 engine) the cork seal that goes in the 2 piece cap for the universal joint, its perhaps 3/8" x 1/4", am afraid to bend it, what can be used to soften the cork material, light oil, heated water, steam, heated oil ????

04-09-2017, 02:43 PM	#2
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	Re: how to soften cork Warm water. Someone makes a rubber seal that works pretty well too. __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

04-09-2017, 06:08 PM	#3
trevo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Napier NZ Posts: 299	Re: how to soften cork I recently replaced the cork halves massaged a little heavy oil into them all up and running now no issues

04-09-2017, 09:38 PM	#4
Old Henry Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 5,762	Re: how to soften cork New one is in this tranny gasket set from C&G for $7.95: https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/cgca...&sp=Search+%23 __________________ Prof. Henry (The Roaming Gnome) "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” *Ursula K. Le Guin in The Left Hand of Darkness

04-10-2017, 05:50 AM	#5
OLD AS I Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Oakwood, ON Canada Posts: 251	Re: how to soften cork Old Henry Yes, thanks, have sets from Drake and feel they are fairly new, just would like to take that extra step. Also am in Canada and getting items from the US doubles in cost when taking in to consideration shipping, duties, currency exchange, brokerage fees and the time for shipment.

04-10-2017, 05:55 PM	#7
Gary Tosel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,138	Re: how to soften cork When I installed the cork seals, I soaked them in engine oil. Another item to observe is that back many years ago, the cork seal was shaped with two sides longer than the other, not square. This shape allows the cork to form better between the clam shell and the ball shaped part of the drive shaft. I have them in my car over 20 years and no leaks. Just my 2 cents worth.

04-11-2017, 08:59 AM	#8
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: how to soften cork I use vaseline on the cork joints on my horn (oboe) and it keeps them in good, pliable condition. It doesn't last too long, though. I'd think that the lubricant that's being sealed in would keep the cork pliable after installation. If there is a modern rubber seal material that fits, that would be a better bet. I expect the amount of sitting some of these cars do would tend to let the cork dry out. __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.