❄ How To Protect O-Rings
How to Protect O-Rings & Rubber Seals
Reduce the potential of cracking and drying out of O-Rings and Rubber Seals.
“Using oil, gasoline, or any other automotive fluid that can act as a lubricant in a pinch was a standard in my shop. This created inconsistent performance in the parts and I learned can actually break down rubber components. O-Ring Lubricant is compatible with materials we use and enhances the seal well after fitting the parts.” – Automotive Technician
Did You Know
Common Failures
Include pinching of rubber, twisting and irregular conforming and over compression.
Material Compatibility
O-Ring Lubricant is compatible with Butyl, EPDM (EPT), Hypalon, Neoprene, Nitrile, Silicone, Viton, Plastic
Fluid Resistance
O-Ring Lubricant adds enhanced fluid resistance to Oil, Automatic Transmission Fluid, Coolant, Water, and Power Steering Fluid
1st time seal rates
Improve your seal rate from the first job to protect your parts and engine components in the future.
Why O-Rings and rubber seals crack & break
Drying out
Overtime, rubber and similar materials dry out and crack due to lack of protection and in-regular use.
Fluids Break Them Down
Common automotive fluids like fuel, power steering fluids, oil, and coolant break down rubber materials overtime.
How to Protect Your Seals
Follow these essential steps for long lasting seals
Identify Type of rubber and best Grease / lubricant
Most petroleum based lubricants attack and break down rubber creating swelling, softening, cracking and loss of elasticity. Silicone Lubricants are recommended by OEM manufactures of O-Rings and chemically inert to common O-Ring materials including EPDM, Nitrile, Neoprene, Natural Rubber and Silicone Rubber. Silicone Lubricant also does not dry out, gum, and has long-term stability.
Clean & Prepare seal
Wipe with a lint free cloth. Check the groove for surface flaws that could damage a new O-Ring. Clean the groove using a plastic or wooden pick so as to not damage the sealing surface. Clean with soap and water or use a mild solvent that is compatible with the O-Ring material. Ensure everything is completely dry.
Clean
Create an strong seal with clean parts.
- ✓ Spray Permatex Battery Cleaner #80369 generously over the battery and terminals
- ✓ Let it sit for 3 minutes. Rinse gently with water
- ✓ Repeat as needed, using a small wire brush for heavy buildup
Protect
Shield your terminals from future corrosion and extend battery life.
- ✓ Shake Permatex Battery Protector and Sealer #80370 for 1 minute
- ✓ Apply two thin coats to terminals and cable ends for a lasting, protective barrier
Apply O-Ring Lubricant and assemble
Apply just enough to leave a glossy, thin film. The purpose is to reduce friction, not to coat the O‑ring heavily. Excess lubricant can cause the O‑ring to slip out of position during assembly. Too much lubricant may attract contaminants or interfere with compression in dynamic seals.
Extend The Life Of Your O-Rings
Featured Products
Permatex® O-Ring Lubricant 1 OZ
1 OZ
Permatex® O-Ring Lubricant is a multi-purpose anti-corrosion lubricant formulated to condition seals and extend the life of O-ring gaskets for use in a wide range of temperatures from -50F to 550F (-...
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