Sealant between bell housing and hydramatic case?

[48caddymn]

I just installed an external gasket kit in my 1948 hydramatic tranny.  When I pulled the bell housing from the transmission case, I noticed the previous owner used some sealant between the two.  I'm in the process of bolting the bell housing back onto the case again and would like to know if I need any sealant between them? I'm not sure why sealant was used since I dont think any fluid comes close to this area??

Dan

[Bobby B]

Dan,
HI. It's a paper thin gasket. I've opened a few up and never seen one with sealant. Sometimes people substitute due to lack of knowledge or just plain laziness. The correct thickness is important from the case forward on the Hydramatic. Hope this helps!
                                                                          Bobby

[48caddymn]

Thanks Bobby; since there are no fluid passages in this area I'm still not sure why any gasket is needed.........

Dan