- The center bolt valve cover gasket is situated between the cylinder head and the valve cover, serving as a barrier to prevent oil leaks and ensure that the engine remains well-lubricated during operation. Made from high-quality materials such as rubber or silicone, these gaskets are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, ensuring their durability and effectiveness in even the most demanding conditions.
Materials Used to Make Oil Seals
Leather oil seals are commonly used for parts that are exposed to dirt and poor lubrication. The major advantage of this material is that it can function in cases where synthetic rubber cannot function. They are used for shafts that have rough surfaces that are more than what rubber seals can handle. This is because they are pre-lubricated and have the capacity to absorb liquids.
What are Oil Seals – A guide to Oil and Rotary Shaft Seals
- An oil seal's primary function is to create a barrier between lubricants and the external environment. It is designed to withstand the rigors of heat, pressure, and physical motion, all while keeping oil in and water, dust, and other pollutants out. The effectiveness of these seals is paramount; a failure can lead to oil leaks, reduced lubrication, increased wear and tear on moving parts, and ultimately, catastrophic equipment failure.
- The primary function of a skeleton oil seal is to maintain the lubrication of machinery by keeping the oil inside and ensuring that it does not leak out. This is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of equipment, as lack of lubrication can lead to increased friction, wear and tear, and ultimately, machine failure.
APPLICATIONS OF OIL SEALS
A wide range of sealing devices are used in various machines.
Sealing devices serve the following functions:
ERIKS type M (type B according to the DIN standard) has a single metal casing and rubber sealing lip. Since the casing is made of metal, it must be fitted in a well-finished, undamaged groove. Large volumes of oil seals with metal casings are often cheaper, which is why they are often used as original equipment in machines. However, if an oil seal has to be replaced, types with a rubber exterior (type R or RST) are easier to fit. Type MST is similar to M and commonly used. The difference is the dust lip in the MST oil seal that prevents dust and dirt reaching the sealing lip, and extends its service life in dusty environments.

Nominal seal O.D.
D, mm
Viton®
High level of chemical resistance
High temperature resistance

Scrape off all the traces of dirt and old gasket from the engine and sump flanges with a paint scraper.
Figure 1: Types of sealing devices