- Enhancing the Spark Experience with e7rtc Plug
- The process of replacing spark plugs is not as complicated as it may seem, and can typically be done at home with basic tools, provided you have the correct information and a little mechanical know-how. However, always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions tailored to your vehicle model.
The seal shown in Fig. 14.2 is a relatively simple design; most automotive seals are more complex. Dust lips are often used to keep outside contaminants away from the oil lip seals; such seals thus have undercuts that make demolding more difficult. Fluoroelastomer compounds used for such undercut shapes must have reasonably high elongation at break at molding temperatures to avoid tearing the part during demolding. The metal insert is often U-shaped, and stock may be molded to form a thin layer over the outside of the insert. Since both compression and injection molding methods are used, suppliers of fluoroelastomers for shaft-seal applications often must provide different versions of the same polymer composition-medium to high viscosity for compression molding, and low to medium viscosity for injection molding. Different precompounds may be necessary to accommodate relatively long compression-molding times at low temperature and very short injection-molding times at high temperature.
- The 12% oil seal is one of the most popular sizes in use today. This seal is typically made from materials such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane, which are known for their excellent resistance to heat, cold, and chemicals. The 12% oil seal is often used in automotive applications, such as in the engines, transmissions, and differentials of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it a favorite among mechanics and engineers.
Oil seals have a flexible lip that actually rubs against the rotating shaft or housing to prevent leakage. The spring keeps the lip in contact with the shaft. Bearing isolator oil seals are dynamic seals that incorporate a rotor or rotating member and a stator or stationary member. The rotor actually turns with the shaft. Some oil shafts are bearing isolators with a labyrinth construction. Others incorporate simpler O-rings.
Figure 2.11. Rubber enclosed metal seal
When it comes to choosing the right oil seal for a particular application, there are several factors to consider. One of the key aspects is the material used in the construction of the seal. Different materials offer varying levels of resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear, so it is essential to select a seal that can withstand the specific conditions it will be exposed to.
Replacing a crankcase side-cover gasket
Detergents: This additive isn’t like your laundry detergent! It focuses on preventing deposits, rust, and corrosion from forming on the piston ring area, piston under-crown, and other surfaces that tend to overheat.
The group of oil seals used in dynamic applications include radial shaft seals that seal a rotating shaft around its circumference. They are also known as lip seals, but in this blog we will use the term oil seals.
Maintenance and Replacement

made of a yieldable resilient material having flat sealing faces and comprising two ring portions connected together by an annular portion substantially v-shaped in cross-section which may yield or expand as the mounting requires.
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.
Nitrile rubber offers good durability for general use, while the flexibility of the spring behind the sealing lip keeps the oil seal firmly in place against the moving part.