The edge of the metal is finely ground after seal manufacture in a centerless grinder to enable an interference fit in the oil seal housing. A slight chamfer on the outer diameter (OD) of the seal is desirable for easy assembly. The sealing lip is prepared by buffing, grinding or cutting away the rubber flash which occurs at the sealing edge. A fine sealing edge creates sufficient pressure on the shaft to minimise spring load, leading to lower friction whilst maintaining effective seal performance. The garter spring plays an important role in the efficiency of the oil seal. If its tension is too high, heat will be generated between the sealing lip and the shaft, and result in rapid wear of the lip. If too low, the spring will be ineffective and the sealing lip will be worn away leading to leakage of the fluid.
The interaction of the integrated seals with the shaft follows the dynamics of the PTFE seals. Often an additional dust seal (rubber lip or felt strip) provides an effective barrier against contaminating particles.
In this blog, we attempt to highlight what are Oil Seals and the various Rotary Shaft Seals including Mechanical Face Seals, Water Pump Seals, Gland Packings, and V-Seals that are readily available.
Oil seal installation
1. Pressure: Many oil seals are used in high-pressure applications, so understanding the working pressure of your components is very important.
Proper installation of the 25x47x7 oil seal is essential to ensure its effectiveness. It is important to carefully clean and prepare the surfaces where the seal will be placed, as any dirt or debris can compromise the seal's ability to function properly. Additionally, the seal should be installed with the correct orientation and pressure to create a tight and secure seal.
Want to learn more? Read “Oil Seals 101, Part 2”.
3. Dust and debris are common reasons for oil seal failure.
Seals, including oil seals, have undergone a great development in recent years and are totally unlike the original product. PTFE has taken over the oil seals market for modern engines mainly because traditional oil seals started causing more and more problems. Such as evaporation of chemical plasticisers from the elastomeric material, which eventually caused engine oil leakage. Now, the focus is more on durability and frequency of servicing.
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Oil seals, also known as rotary shaft seals, are a type of gasket used to prevent lubricant leakage and contamination in rotating machinery by creating a barrier between the moving and stationary parts.
Valve cover gaskets and head gaskets play pivotal roles in maintaining the proper functioning of the engine. The valve cover gasket prevents oil leaks and contaminants from compromising the lubrication and performance of the engine, while the head gasket ensures the proper sealing of the combustion chamber, allowing for efficient fuel combustion and preventing the mixing of oil and coolant. Both gaskets are critical for the overall efficiency, performance, and reliability of the engine.