Leaking Richmond T-221 X-fer

[1969K10]

I did a search on this transfer case yesterday, and several of you have had problems with them leaking. I'm in that same boat, did any of you ever get it to quit leaking? This filling it back up every 2-3 weeks is getting old, and the facilities guy at work is giving me grief about the oil slick under my truck. If so, what did you do? I currently have this little one way valve out the top that I've thought about replacing with a hose like on my front & rear diff's.

[Yukon Jack]

I assume you mean the Rockwell T221. Mine was somewhat leaky so when I had it out I put in all new seals and made gaskets for every place that should have a gasket. I think I did a good job but guess what, she still leaks! May just be the nature of the beast, I don't know. Mine never leaked bad enough to have to fill with fluid, just a drip or two each day. If yours is leaking that much, I guess you are better off trying to reseal it. The vent on the top of mine is like yours, no hose. If it is clogged that could be causing a problem.

When I put new seals in mine there were three large yoke seals that I bought for $16.81 a piece, Federal-Mogul part number 482164N and two shifter seals at $4.20 each, Federal-Mogul part number 470954 and also states 0.750 x 1.250 x 0.250 on the box below the part number. There were a cheaper brand but the parts guy said those seals looked pretty cheap.

You can buy a kit of seals and gaskets I believe, but it was like $90 I think when I looked. Was easier to just make the couple seals. Some areas use very thin metal shims. I cleaned them up real good and then did reassembly.

[Yukon Jack]

Can't recall at the moment if the seals mentioned above covered the adapter also, but there are seals there that you would also want to replace if you go to the trouble of pulling the t/c.

Usually are two bolts inside the adapter that you need to remove to separate the adapter from the transfer case also. I have some pics if you are interested.

[chipotledude05]

You won't ever get it to stop leaking. My dad's truck has leaked since it was new in '65. My '61 leaks as well. Several seal kits later they both still leak. I think that we finally came to the conclusion that while the seals are good, and keep the leaking to an inperceptable crawl, the leaking keeps the output shafts well greased. Other than that, its a good tcase. You'd have a hard time breaking one. So, my suggestion is to do a seal job. That should keep the oil off the ground.

[1969K10]

Thanks guys! Yeah, I rebuilt the T-case last fall, new seals, gaskets, the whole 9 yards, and its still leaking

I didn't get a seal for the T-case to tranny adapter, so I used ample amounts of liquid gasket - I hate that stuff.

The 2 bolts inside where quite a surprise for someone just learning as they go.

Guess I'll try replacing that one way valve thing and see if it helps any.

[1969 GMC]

good luck with your quest...my Rockwell did that, then one day started leaking so bad i had to top it off each morning before I went to school. Then came the death clank...it ran out of oil when I was going about 60 mph, not cool. After that it was only a short time til it totally seized up on me (going 60 mph again, lets just say I had to change my boxers when I got home). I opened her up and it looks like every singe bearing in the tcase is shot. Quite a few of the ball bearings jumped out of the races and did who knows what kind of damage to the internals. I am still in the process of swapping in a NP205.

[1969K10]

Yeah, I read your horror story when I did my search on this X-fer case... Sorry to hear about it, I hope mine doesn't go that route

[687980chevy]

Has anyone tried 140w lube? Or maybe transmission stop leak. I never have just wondering. Mine believe it or not doesn't leak, just a little damp on the case.

[1969K10]

Yeah, my closed knuckle D44 is supposed to run 85W-140, so I put it in my X-fer to see if it would stop/slow the leak. Hasn't made any real difference.

[toddol1971]

maybe lucas oil stablizer? It says you can use it up to 100% in diffs & transfer cases. May be worth a try.