Smear gasket sealant on the mating faces of the pump and the engine. Refit the pump and gasket or gaskets and tighten the fixings.
Many seals come with a garter spring, found within the backside of the seal. It provides contracting pressure against the sealing surface. Making sure the spring seats correctly within the seal is an excellent first step.
For quality gaskets, Victor Reinz is the place to be. The German company invented the head gasket, but today it also specialises in other types of seals, including oil seals.
Leather is probably the oldest of the lip materials still in common use, but the move towards mass production methods has seen a massive increase in the development of synthetic rubbers which lend themselves to accurate and repeatable injection and compression moulding. Nitrile (NBR) is still by far the most common elastomer for “normal” use, whilst Viton® (FKM/FPM) is rapidly replacing Polyacrylate (ACM) and Silicone (VMQ) for high-temperature applications. Viton® also has high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack making it a preferred elastomer. Recent developments in the use of PTFE for Rotary shaft seals has caused widespread interest particularly for high-speed shaft rotation or poor lubrication applications.

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.

Regardless of how many (or how few) miles you have on your vehicle, regularly scheduled oil changes are critical for keeping your car running newer, longer. When you head in for your next oil change at a nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care, ask your technician about a high mileage oil change, especially if you’ve observed oil stains in your driveway or heard engine rattling. A high mileage oil change could help your car hit its next big milestone!
Having problems installing oil seals? The part has had many updates in recent years, which has totally changed the installation process. In this blog, our specialists will give you information and installation tips so that these oil seals no longer cause difficulties during your overhaul or repair job.
Unthinkable in the list of seals are oil seals, which provide a seal against splashing oil. The most important oil seals are used for rotating shafts and valve stem seals. Oil seals are intentionally never completely sealed to lubricate the seals and prevent wear.