After carefully cleaning all the "blast media" which entered into my Bell
housing, causing the failure of my flywheel seal, and I am changing my
manual trans input shaft seal as well. I need to ask a few questions.

The new motor in my 84 Westy is from a 91 Syncro, and I noticed that a
silicone sealant was placed around the entire bell housing, not sure if it
was original or added later.  For those Syncro owners out there, is this
standard procedure?  If so, I would assume it is in place to prevent
contamination of the bell housing from the sand / dust which can come from
heavy off-road use.

Second, the hole at the top of the motor
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/1262080447/ which is used, I
believe, for Automatic application, is the "plug" still available anywhere?

If not, is it ok to seal this hole completely, or is this used to help
ventilate the bell housing?

After seeing what dirt can do to internal bell housing seals, through-out
bearings etc. I feel is it very important to keep it clean, to prevent
future damage.

This may be good advice to all the list members!

By the way, I took apart the Throw-out bearing, cleaned ALL the crap out of
it, and re-greased with a synthetic molly bearing grease. is that OK, or
should I replace?  The bearing is spotless, and everything works smoothly
again.

Thanks to everyone who has provided great advice during my "little" dilemma.
My goal is to have this back on the road this weekend, for a solid test
drive before its maiden voyage to Buses by the Beach - Bus Boo!

Jack R.

N. of Detroit - 84 Westy Wolfie, currently with Trans on the floor and new
seals going in.  Changing the oil, and trans fluid - upgrading the Redline
MT-90 (ouch $12 a QT!)