A Simulation Test Method for Deterioration of FKM Compounds Engine Crankshaft Oil Seals 922373
A laboratory scale simulation test method was developed to evaluate deterioration of radial lip seals of fluoroelastomer (FKM) compounds for engine crankshafts. The investigation of the collected radial lip seals of FKM compounds from the field with service up to 450,000km indicated that the only symptom of deterioration is a decrease of lip interference.
This deterioration was not duplicated under conventional test conditions using an oil seal test machine because sludge build up at the seal lip caused oil leakage. However, revised test conditions make it possible to duplicate the deterioration experienced in the field.
An immersion test using a radial lip seal assembled with the mating shaft was newly developed. This test method was found to be useful to evaluate deterioration of radial lip seals using FKM compounds.
Oil additives affect the deterioration of lip seal materials significantly. Therefore, immersion tests of four different oils were conducted to evaluate this effect.
By analyzing the elements in the seal lip compounds, it was found that the sulfur level had the greatest impact on seal material deterioration. Results of the elemental analyses of field and bench tested lip seals confirm the validity of the simulation tests presented in this paper.
Citation: Masuda, Y., Nakada, M., Esaki, Y., Yoshihara, T. et al., "A Simulation Test Method for Deterioration of FKM Compounds Engine Crankshaft Oil Seals," SAE Technical Paper 922373, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/922373. Download Citation
