Investing in quality seals will benefit you and your machine in the long run. The cost of replacing oil seals will be higher as cheaper alternatives are constantly being purchased. Not to mention, the efficiency and quality of low-cost oil seals may not be reliable.
In addition to preventing oil leakage, the piston oil seal also helps to reduce friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. This is important for maximizing engine efficiency and prolonging the life of the engine components. By reducing friction, the seal helps to improve fuel economy and reduce wear and tear on the engine.
piston oil seal
Proper care and maintenance of square rubber gaskets are essential to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Regular inspection for signs of wear, damage, or degradation is important to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the seal. Replacing worn or damaged gaskets promptly can help prevent costly repairs and downtime.
Vulcanizates of several fluoroelastomers, listed in Table 14.1, were exposed to a standard 5W-30 engine oil, ASTM Service Fluid 105, for up to 6 weeks at 150°C (302°F).5 The oil was changed weekly, but was not aerated. Retained elongation was measured after exposure for 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks; data are shown in Fig. 14.3. The results indicate that bisphenol-cured FKM-A500 VDF/HFP copolymer, FKM-B600 VDF/HFP/TFE terpolymer, and peroxide-cured FEPM-7456 TFE/P/VDF terpolymer lost most of their original elongation over the course of the test exposure, indicating considerable additional cross-linking occurred by reaction with amine- and phenol-containing oil additives. The other fluoroelastomers showed better retention of elongation, being much less susceptible to additional crosslinking. Note that FEPM-7456 contains a high level of VDF (about 30%), while FEPM-7506 contains a relatively low VDF level (10–15%) to serve as cure site for bisphenol curing. The other FEPM types contain no VDF.
