Conditioning the Main Seals in an Engine

[MolaKule]

The main seals are at the ends of the crankshaft.

Name Three (3) primary actions the engine oil must do to condition those seals:

The Engine oil must condition the seals to -----------------, -------------------, and -----------------------.



This QOTD is not open to any engineering discipline, tribologist, formulator, or chemist.

 

[Kira]

You asked two separate questions.

The oil has to REACH, SOFTEN and SWELL

 

[oldhp]

Stay flexible...Stay clean...Stay cool.

 

[MolaKule]

Originally Posted by Kira
You asked two separate questions.

The oil has to REACH, SOFTEN and SWELL



It is One Topical question with three answers.

 

[doitmyself]

My guess would be that the engine oil must condition the seals to 1) clean/prevent contamination buildup, maintain/restore the elastomer properties, and lubricate/seal the surface.

 

[MolaKule]

Thanks to all who responded and we had some good answers.

The main seals are at the ends of the crankshaft.

Name Three (3) primary actions the engine oil must do to condition those seals:

The Engine oil must condition the seals to prevent drying, cracking, and leaking.

Some secondary actions are cleaning, cooling, and maintaining pliability through elastomer restoration.

The oil also has to do the same with the Valve Stem Seals so oil doesn't get sucked into the combustion chamber.


Please note that most Over the Counter (OTC) or Third Party Oil additive manufacturers do not publish tests or specifications on the effects their products have on main and valve stem seals.

 

[Revving2Redline]

Clean, Lubricate. And protect??