Hi All,
I continue working on my 1987 Trail Boss after rebuilding the engine. I'm at the point where I need to put on the inside clutch cover and my manual says I need to use Loctite 401 in the groove of the crank case. See pic below.

On the Loctite website part of the description of Loctite 401 includes the following:

• Bonds a wide range of similar or dissimilar substrates (metals, rubber, wood, cardboard, ceramics as well as most plastics)

Is there an equivalent to Loctite 401 that I can readily get at either a big box store like Home Depot or maybe an auto parts store like O'Reillys or NAPA?

Thanks

 

More questions:
Loctite 401 is a type of super glue or cyanoacrylate. The directions for 401 state the the cure time is less than 5 seconds for aluminum and rubber. They also state to assemble the parts quickly and locate them accurately due to the fast cure time. The installation instructions from Polaris say to rotate the seal back and forth several times to evenly distribute the sealer.

• How would this be possible if the Loctite 401 cures so quickly?
• Is Loctite 401 the best adhesive for this application? Seems like something that cures a little slower would be better.

Your insight is appreciated.

Thanks

 

It's called Loctite 401 Prism Instant Adhesive and it's clear like super glue in the same type of bottle. There are lots of people on amazon and ebay, and tool and supply stores online selling it, but I can't find regular stores that do. It looks like Permatex doesn't make anything equivalent. I've used Devcon thread-locker instead of Loctite before but gave up on looking for this stuff on their site. You may find something from them that works if you keep looking. INSTAbond SI-100 made by ACCRAbond is supposed to be the same thing but I don't see anyplace that sells it. The the same goes for Hernon Quantum 135. If there's a specialty tool supply store near you they may have it. Don't be surprised if it costs close to $40 for a 0.7 ounce bottle.

ETA: I thought I saw somewhere that said it had a 20 second working time, but I've searched until I'm cross-eyed and this ^ was all I could find about it.

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_401.html

 

Hi Big Frank,
I really appreciate your response. I've had a couple more questions before I mail order some Loctite 401.

Will Loctite 401 allow the Clutch/Crank seal (part number 5410411) to be released from the engine for future service needs? I am worried that the rubber seal might be damaged upon removal because it is super glued to the crank case. This wouldn't be an issue if the a new seal could be ordered but it is NLA. Maybe a silicone type of adhesive would be more forgiving than the super glue for removal purposes? it might not be as strong but it would probably release before the rubber tore.

Here's a link where someone super glued rubber to aluminum and the rubber tore before the super glue broke free.

Go to the 4 minute mark to just get to the super glue test results.

Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit add youtube link to rubber to aluminum super glue test

 

It says to use a gasket chisel and small wire wheel to clean the groove out, so I don't think the seal is supposed to survive and be reused. But I've never worked on one of those engines and I'm only guessing. I don't know what a good alternative to a new gasket would be.

 

I found a used one off of a 1998 Trail Boss on ebay. It didn't even show up on a search of ebay but I found it anyway.

https://www.ebay.com/p/1985-Polaris-...411/1923081914

 

Hi Big Frank,
I think you're right. This is a disposable seal. Although you might be able to find one occasionally on Ebay it might be difficult to find one when you need it. Of course I could buy this one now and store it but I bet I wouldn't be able to find it when i need it 2 years from now. haha!

I think I am going to try and use some type of silicone rubber adhesive. It will be an interesting experiment to see how long it lasts.

Thanks for all your help.

 

Good luck. I hope it works out for you. Either way, let us know how it turns out.

 

I sure will.

Thanks again

 

I’m happy to help.