Tub Cover Gasket

After removing the front panel, and taking the (2) screws out securing the top (which lifts uplike the hood of a car) I removed the outer tub plastic ring using (4) screwdivers to lift in various spots to release ,which was pretty easy. They used to make a special tool for $55.00, but you don't need it. What I found when I removed the plastic ring was that the outer tub had (3) holes rusted through at the very top. After sanding them down to bare metal, I J.B. Welded them, let that cure, and then put the new gasket in the plastic outer ring. I backed up the new ring gasket with RTV silicone, snapped it back on, and let that sit for 24 hours. Then I replaced the fill hose from the water mixing valve to the tub ring, which distributes the water into the basket. Easily done in 5 minutes with a regular scewdriver and a pair of pliers. You will need to have an additional 5/8" - 1" hose clamp to replace one of the original snap-style hose clamps, since it gets very rusty over time. Everything works great now. This washer is 13 years old, and I just wanted to buy another 6-12 months when we will buy a new one. (Have you seen the prices on new washers lately!?!?) Took a few hours to repair, but only cost about $40 bucks. Besides, my motto is "If a man can build it, I can take it apart!"