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POLYACRYLATE (ACM) Rubber
FLUOROCARBON (FKM) Viton
I've been thinking about replacing my harmonic balancer and the crank seal. I've seen several posts in forums recommending that you NEVER use a Viton seal on an object in motion, with several people saying their new Viton seals leaked almost immediately.
Clark's used to sell both rubber and Viton seals, but now only offer the Viton seals in their catalog.
In reading the more objective scientific articles online comparing seal materials, one specifically stated that Vito was especially well suited to sealing high speed rotating parts. That contradicts some of the very strongly stated anecdotal posts I've read.
Both ACM rubber and Viton have a high resistance to gasoline and oil, with Viton said to have a higher resistance to breaking down from contact with petroleum products.
One place where ACM rubber comes out way ahead is in remaining flexible at low temperatures with Viton losing flexibility at 5 degrees F while ACM rubber remained flexible down to -40 degrees F (not that I expect to be operating my car in such cold weather).
I see an SKF seal (what I call a quality brand) still being sold using ACM rubber for the seal material. My guess is that this part would perform very well. On the other hand, Clark's only sells Viton seals, and I can't imagine that they would only sell Viton if there was a high failure rate. I CAN see them no longer stocking rubber seals if everyone is demanding Viton and not buying rubber.
So, here we are again where respected people at the forums seem to be making strong recommendations based upon actual experiences they have had that seem to contradict the scientific evidence.
How do you decide between rubber and Viton under those circumstances?
(I've made a point use Viton seals in non-rotating applications so far, such as the oil cooler seals.)
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit FKM Oil Seal.
Glen in Ohio
Monza Sedan Powerglide 110 hp
Low mileage survivor, stock as delivered
Records back to in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
Original dealer Mike Turk's in East Liverpool, Ohio
Located in Cleveland, Ohio area
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