Functions of a car engine gasket High-pressure oil seals come in various types, including lip seals, O-rings, and rod seals, each tailored for specific applications. For instance, rod seals are commonly used in hydraulic cylinders to seal the piston rod against the cylinder barrel, preventing leakage of pressurized fluid. They are designed to withstand both radial and axial forces, making them ideal for high-pressure environments They are designed to withstand both radial and axial forces, making them ideal for high-pressure environments
1. The oil seal consists of a metal ring as the inner skeleton which provides the structural stability to the oil seal.
Like any element of the engine, oil seals are subject to wear. Over time they can lead to possible leaks of lubricating liquid.
There is a British Standard laid down for the control of synthetic rubbers. BS 3574 (1989) helps to determine shelf life – for instance, Nitrile (NBR) and Polyacrylic (ACM) are Group ‘B’ rubbers and have a 7-year life, whilst Silicone (VMQ) and Fluoroelastomers (Viton®) are Group ‘C’ rubbers and have a 10-year shelf life. PTFE and Leather do not come into this category but like the others should be kept in the original packing for as long as possible away from direct light, dust, and humidity. Ozone, which can also be produced by battery-driven forklift trucks has a very bad effect on synthetic rubbers. Finally, protect the sealing lip – DO NOT hang the seals on nails, wire etc.