Advanced Testing of Engine Seals

Over the last 25 years, substantial advances in elastomer material technology and engine gasket and seal design have significantly contributed to the reduction in engine fluid leakage warranty claims.  During that time, engine sealing technologies have moved from cork- and fiber- based flat gaskets, to synthetic elastomers such as ethylene acrylic and fluorocarbon that are injection molded into shapes that maximize the compressive force between the sealing flanges, and that can be pressed into grooves within those sealing flanges.  These advances have come at a price, but the improvement in leakage rates and subsequent warranty reduction has more than offset this cost.  Further, the methods used to test these engine gaskets have changed just as much.  Today, in addition to engine dynamometer and vehicle durability testing, complex laboratory-based testing systems, which utilize environmental chambers that are capable of heating and cooling test fixtures at high rates, while varying the pressure inside these fixtures, simulate worst case vehicle operating conditions.  This presentation will describe the materials and testing methods currently being used by Chrysler Group LLC to reduce the incidence of leaks in engines.