Valve cover gaskets and head gaskets are essential components in automotive engines, serving distinct yet crucial roles in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the engine. The valve cover gasket seals the junction between the valve cover and the cylinder head, preventing oil leaks and contaminants from entering the engine. On the other hand, the head gasket seals the cylinder head to the engine block, ensuring the containment of combustion gases and the separation of oil and coolant passages.
Furthermore, understanding the signs of a failing oil seal is important. Excessive oil leakage, unusual noises during operation, or a noticeable decrease in the car's handling and stability can all indicate a faulty oil seal. If detected early, a simple seal replacement can often rectify the issue, saving you from more extensive and costly repairs. The '20' in the Oil Seal 20 34 7 refers to the inner diameter, which is the size of the shaft it will. The '34' denotes the outer diameter, determining the space it occupies in the housing. Lastly, the '7' signifies the thickness or cross-section of the seal, contributing to its durability and sealing effectiveness.Bauerle and Bruhnke7 found that aeration reduces the effect of oil additives on fluoroelastomer properties. Some of their data is reproduced in Fig. 14.4,5 showing the effect of aeration of an SF-grade 5W30 oil on the retention of elongation of a VDF/HFP copolymer (FKM-E430), a VDF/HFP/TFE terpolymer (FKM-B600), and a VDF/PMVE/TFE fluoroelastomer (FKM-GFLT). The HFP-containing polymers show much better retention of properties with aeration.