74 850 MkII trans, is this normal?

Is this a repair to the trans case? or is it just the way these were made?




I'm also concerned that the whole seam where the inner cover joins the body was smeared with what looked like silicone (mostly cleaned off in these pics), a buddy suggested that it was applied to stop a leak, but i wonder if it is more significant.
I hope to have the time to go in and replace the layshaft bearing (replace other bearings, etc) but i might not, should I be worried?
thanks

Look's like a repair to me. Did it leak when installed on the bike? The only true way is to remove the two covers and have a look at the mating surface at the repair.

Yes it looks like a repair. It could be the mating surface is uneven now but as long as it seals it should be ok. There's no pressure in there to worry about.

that explains why the seam was smeared with silicone,
I think RGM sells new maincases, so I think I'll take it apart and have a closer look, maybe replace.
cheers