Q&A

When should I replace my O-ring?

by Clay Mcdonald

When should I replace my O-ring?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your O-Rings once a year.

Can you replace O-rings?

Worn O-rings can be replaced easily. Kitchen faucets have one or more O-rings to prevent water from oozing out around the spout. If the ring wears out, you’ll see water at the base of the spout every time you turn on the water.

Why do O-rings leak?

If YES, then most likely causes of leakage: 1. The O-ring is not being squeezed enough to ensure reliable sealing. 2. The surface finish of the mating parts is too rough to attain a good seal, or the metal surface is scratched.

How do I know if my O-ring is bad?

Usually bad or failing o rings will produce a few symptoms that can alert the vehicle of a potential issue.

  1. Fuel smell from the engine bay. One of the first symptoms of a problematic fuel injector o ring is a fuel smell.
  2. Fuel leak.
  3. Hard starting, misfires, and decrease in power and acceleration.

Do o-rings go bad?

Cause: Physical and chemical changes can occur to an elastomer at elevated temperatures that result in set. Cross-link density can increase, this results in the O-ring losing its elasticity and ability to return back to the original shape, this is a permanent chemical change.

What can I use if I don’t have an O-ring?

Alternatives to O-rings for static sealing

  1. Extruded and cut seal profiles. One alternative to O-rings are extruded and cut seal profiles.
  2. Rubber substitutes. O-rings are often made of rubber elastomers.
  3. Flange seals.
  4. Static radial seal.
  5. Axial face seals.
  6. Press-in-place seals.
  7. Composite sealing plates.
  8. Parker Hannifin.

How do I get a replacement O-ring?

Below are the steps to take to properly measure for a new or replacement O-Ring.

  1. Place the O-ring on a clean, flat, level surface.
  2. Determine the inside diameter by using a ruler to measure from one inner edge to another.
  3. Use a ruler to measure the diameter, from one outer corner of the O-ring to the other outer corner.

How long should an O-ring last?

Learn About O-Ring Shelf Life and Storage Recommendations

Unlimited FKM, FFKM, Silicone, Fluorosilicone, EPDM, Butyl, FEPM
15 Years NBR Buna-N, HNBR, Chloroprene, Hypalon, ACM Polyacrylate
5 or 10 Years Polyurethane depending on type
3 Years SBR

What can I use instead of an O ring?

Alternatives to O-rings for static sealing

  • Extruded and cut seal profiles. One alternative to O-rings are extruded and cut seal profiles.
  • Rubber substitutes. O-rings are often made of rubber elastomers.
  • Flange seals.
  • Static radial seal.
  • Axial face seals.
  • Press-in-place seals.
  • Composite sealing plates.
  • Parker Hannifin.