Gasket Application Mistakes that Must Be Avoided
29 June 2020Gaskets are mechanical seals that create a physical barrier between two or mating surfaces. The application of these barriers can prevent dust, dirt, fluids, gases, and electrostatic discharges from affecting the performance of certain machine parts or engines.
Most of the time, gasket applications can be very easy and simple. However, the presence of these barriers can also ruin and destroy perfect engine build and construction, especially if they are installed and sealed in the wrong way. If you do not want to damage certain components or engine parts, then here are some gasket application mistakes that you must totally avoid.
Preparing Gasket Surface Improperly
One of the most common mistakes in gasket applications is improper surface preparation. Most people tend to just install a new piece of gasket without removing any remnants of the old gasket, glue, or adhesive. And if they attempt to remove the old pieces of the mentioned materials, a lot of them use a razor blade that can easily scratch the surface and subsequently allow fluids or gasses to leak.
Applying Inadequate Amount of Sealant
A sealant is important to secure the gasket to a certain place. However, a lot of people tend to apply too little sealant, which can give off an inefficient seal for the gasket once it is installed. Alternatively, certain people apply too much sealant that can easily clog certain areas of an engine or component.
Using the Wrong Type of Gasket Maker
Gasket makers are intended to eliminate leak paths. They also help withstand the effects of vibration, fluids, and temperature. While most gasket makers can provide these benefits, using the wrong type of these components can make your application inefficient. Some gasket makers have higher temperature resistance, making them more appropriate for a certain use. Others, on the other hand, are suitable for sealing out gases under specific operations.
Replacing Sealant with Gasket Maker
Many gasket application mistakes point towards the replacement of sealant with gasket maker. Gasket makers are not intended to be used as a means of keeping a gasket in place. Gasket makers have a very thick formula that makes them an ineffective replacement for sealants.
Leaving Other Old Gaskets Behind
While replacing old gaskets is essential, there are numerous instances where professionals will just leave other gaskets behind. Leaving other gaskets untouched would often result in inconsistency when it comes to the performance and service life of an engine or component. Failures, after all, are often caused by a varying set of gaskets.
Applying Gasket with Wrong Material
Gaskets can be made from different materials. These materials include metal, silicone rubber, nitrile, and graphite. Each of these materials possesses a wide variety of properties, strengths, and weaknesses that make them suitable for specific applications. The use of gasket with the wrong material can significantly affect several factors of an engine or component, which can lead to their failure. The use of the wrong material can even lead to danger.
Avoid these application mistakes can help your gaskets last for a long time. If you want to know more gasket application mistakes, feel free to ask us at Gasketech.
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