O-Ring Seal Swelling Comparisons
BBDartCA 2010©
This is a comparison of how typical automotive O-rings change in size when exposed to typical chemicals found in stop leak products, oil – fuel system treatments, etc. Some people want seals to swell while others do not.
O-rings tested were Buna-N (Nitrile) pierces sourced form Grainger. Buna-N is one of the most common o-ring and seal materials used in auto and motorcycle engines & fuel systems.
Chemicals tested and are below with comments.
I do not have access yet to a shore durometer test tool. However, using a homemade tool out of an exacto knife and controlled application of pressure, it seems the White Shepherd left the O-rings the softest while the Berrymans left O-rings the hardest & most brittle.
This comparison obviously is not necessarily relevant to how O-rings would change in size when above chemicals are mixed with other chemicals (gasoline, oil, etc.) or when exposed to heat and pressure. This study does not test the durability of the o-rings. However, this gives some insight to how o-rings change in size when exposed to chemicals.
The Chems tested
During test.
Left to right is:
Gumout
Acetone
Seafoam
Naphtha
Brake Fluid
White Shepherd
Berryman's B12
O-rings 5-minutes after removal from chemicals
O-rings 12-hours after removal from chemicals
Discussion of chems tested and test results:
BBDartCA 2010©
This is a comparison of how typical automotive O-rings change in size when exposed to typical chemicals found in stop leak products, oil – fuel system treatments, etc. Some people want seals to swell while others do not.
O-rings tested were Buna-N (Nitrile) pierces sourced form Grainger. Buna-N is one of the most common o-ring and seal materials used in auto and motorcycle engines & fuel systems.
Chemicals tested and are below with comments.
I do not have access yet to a shore durometer test tool. However, using a homemade tool out of an exacto knife and controlled application of pressure, it seems the White Shepherd left the O-rings the softest while the Berrymans left O-rings the hardest & most brittle.
This comparison obviously is not necessarily relevant to how O-rings would change in size when above chemicals are mixed with other chemicals (gasoline, oil, etc.) or when exposed to heat and pressure. This study does not test the durability of the o-rings. However, this gives some insight to how o-rings change in size when exposed to chemicals.
The Chems tested
During test.
Left to right is:
Gumout
Acetone
Seafoam
Naphtha
Brake Fluid
White Shepherd
Berryman's B12
O-rings 5-minutes after removal from chemicals
O-rings 12-hours after removal from chemicals
Discussion of chems tested and test results: