Engine seals

The Power of Knowledge Engineering

 Engine shaft seals Spring loaded FKM sealing lip for the higher temperatures and more
­aggressive fluid environments of all rotating
SKF offers a wide range of engine shaft Custom seals are available for applications The conventional spring loaded sealing lip shafts in engines. The PTFE wafer is perma-
seals which provide optimum performance where any of the following conditions exist: design using FKM elastomer provides excel- nently bonded to the seal, so there is virtu-
for automotive applications. Our extensive lent sealing performance and has been the ally no risk of bypass leakage.
testing capabilities enable us to provide • Significant misalignment standard for many years. The function of the SKF has a long history of using PTFE for
­advanced and reliable products. SKF shaft • Aggressive lubricants spring is to provide positive contact with the sealing solutions, enabling us to develop
seals are available for engine crankshafts • High level of external contamination shaft under a wide range of operating advanced designs using leading-edge tech-
and camshafts as well as for auxiliary units. • Extreme temperatures and pressures ­conditions. It also compensates for wear. nology. SKF offers two basic PTFE seals. In
A variety of outer diameter designs are • Very high speeds The sealing lip incorporates hydrodynamic addition to the standard concept (PTFE 3rd
available for optimal installation and reten- features to support the sealing function by generation), SKF provides a version with the
tion of the seal. For particularly difficult Depending on the application and operating pumping oil back into the engine. A wide sealing lip reversed (PTFE 4th generation).
operating conditions, SKF can also provide a conditions, SKF can offer a variety of seal ­selection of dust lips are available to mini- Both seals are highly reliable. However, the
number of alternative seal designs that designs. In addition, all of the lip features mize the ingress of contaminants. 4th generation is easier to install.
­include specialized dust exclusion features. shown on the following pages can be inte-
SKF engine shaft seals provide optimum grated into special custom designs, e.g. Advantages of the spring loaded FKM radial The advantages of SKF PTFE seals are:
performance under the most ­extreme oper- plastic bayonet fitting and SKF Rotostat lip seal:
ating conditions. sealing module. • Superior chemical resistance for most
The matrix below provides an overview of • Improved reliability aggressive oils and fluids
the major seal types and the typical applica- • Extended service life • Wider temperature range than FKM seals
tions of each. All shaft seals can be integrated • Ease of installation and secure retention • Lower friction and power loss compared
into an SKF Rotostat sealing module. • Excellent fluid resistance to spring loaded designs
• Wide temperature and pressure range • Helps overcome shaft deficiencies
because of a long lip lay-down
Shaft seal application matrix • Excellent dry-running capability
• Reduced shaft wear
PTFE sealing lip
Typical vehicle Application
These advantages enable significantly longer
In addition to the spring loaded FKM sealing service life.
Light Heavy Camshaft Crankshaft Crankshaft Auxiliary
vehicle duty front rear shaft lip designs, SKF engine shaft seals are also
available with a polytetrafluoroethylene
Spring loaded FKM seal X X X X X X
(PTFE) sealing lip, utilizing a PTFE wafer. This
PTFE 3rd generation X X X X X X
robust seal provides optimum performance

PTFE 4th generation X X X X (X)

SKF Low Friction X X X X (X)

Engine Seal

PTFE cassette seal X X X

(X)Axial cassette seal

for heavy-duty also X X X Spring loaded FKM seal 3rd generation PTFE seal

4th generation PTFE seal

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 Cassette seals
Low friction elastomer Trucks and off-highway vehicles most frequently operate in dirty, dusty and wet environ-
sealing lip ments. For these types of applications where long service life is critical, SKF recommends
the use of cassette seals.
The new low friction seal has been devel-
oped to meet automotive industry targets
for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Axial cassette seals PTFE cassette seals
The low friction elastomer sealing lip design
is based on the wafer technology used for The axial cassette seal is an innovative and Under normal operating conditions, non-
PTFE shaft seals. However, these seals use SKF Low Friction Engine Seal robust solution using an axial sealing lip with cassette seals, like the ones described earlier,
a specially formulated FKM material with a garter spring instead of a radial sealing lip. will meet the needs of most car and truck
improved compression and relaxation prop- SKF has developed a powerful tool to The garter spring provides a constant axial applications. However, for particularly harsh
erties to compensate for the lack of a spring. ­simulate the real life influence of friction load. The axial lip rides on a flinger/wear operating environments, like those found in
The result is a seal design that provides very ­reduction in the powertrain and driveline of sleeve on which an additional radial lip runs. off-highway applications, unique solutions
low friction and long service life. vehicles. The SKF Vehicle Environmental are often necessary. When the presence of
Performance Simulator (VEPS) takes vehicle Axial cassette seals add value by delivering water and mud is likely, PTFE cassette seals,
Advantages of SKF Low Friction Engine data running in standard drive cycles (e.g. the following advantages: which o­ ptionally use a conical PTFE wafer
Seals: the European NEDC cycle) and can calculate and an axial PTFE contacting dust lip, are an
the savings of CO2 emissions and fuel • Hydrodynamic features designed to excellent solution. The wear sleeve, which is
• Low friction and power loss to help mini­ economy. ­improve sealing performance part of the cassette, helps to protect the seal
mize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions Compared to conventional elastomer • Cassette solution protects the seal during to provide an additional layer of protection.
• Outstanding sealing security for long life shaft seals, VEPS calculates that a saving of transport and handling
• Gas tight sealing lip for the engine air 1.04 g/km is achieved when all engine shaft • Able to accommodate static and dynamic
leak down test seals are replaced with the SKF Low Friction misalignment
• Highly effective and long-lasting even at Engine Seal. This has been calculated for a • Accommodates thermal expansion and
high-speeds popular D class car with manual transmis- axial movement
• Good ability to accommodate eccentricity sion and spark ignition engine running in • High tolerance on radial movement of the
and dynamic run-out the NEDC cycle. shaft
• Good dry-running ability • Optional felt dirt excluder and cassette
• Minimal shaft wear design provide better protection against
contaminants
Comparison of power consumption of shaft seals

Power consumption [%]

120 Spring loaded seal

100
PTFE seal
PTFE cassette seal
80
SKF Low Friction
60 Engine Seal

40

20

0
0 1 000 2 000 3 000 4 000 5 000 6 000 7 000
Shaft speed [r/min]
Axial cassette seal

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 SKF Rotostat sealing
module
The SKF Rotostat sealing module is a combination of dynamic and static seals bonded
directly to a carrier or retainer, allowing for multiple components to be combined into one
ready-to-install sealing unit for crankshafts. This includes a rotary shaft seal, a retainer,
static seals between the retainer and engine block/oil pan and centring dowel pins. SKF has
extensive production experience with SKF Rotostat sealing modules, enabling us to develop
advanced designs which can be tailored to individual application requirements.

SKF Rotostat sealing modules provide the Depending on the application environment,
following benefits: the trigger wheel can be designed to also
function as the seal counterface.

Magnetic trigger
• Design flexibility to be able to use all In addition to the advantages of the con-
­previously described sealing lips ventional SKF Rotostat sealing module, the
• Leak paths reduced by 50% integration of a sensing system provides the

wheels
• One-piece design reduces installation following advantages:
time and errors
• Self-centring to cylinder block by • Pre-assembled complete module with
integrating dowels into the retainer sensor and trigger wheel for reliable and
• Reduce weight by up to 30% compared to easy installation
an assembled die-cast retainer • Total system development and respon-
• T-joint gasket feature improves sealing sibility provides compatibility between the Trigger wheels are typically found on cam- SKF magnetic trigger wheels provide the
at the interface between SKF Rotostat, sensor and trigger wheel shafts and crankshafts. As the shaft turns, following advantages:
engine block and oil pan • Locating the sensor outside the crankcase these wheels provide magnetic signals to
• Ability to integrate with sensors avoids cable sealing problems and simpli- a sensor that is connected to the vehicle’s • High pitch precision for accurate sensing
fies replacement central control unit. Using these signals, the and optimum engine control
• Improved system accuracy using magnetic central control unit can determine the speed • Magnetic signal enables reduced size and
trigger wheels to optimize vehicle man- and angular position of the shaft. Today, SKF cost of the sensor
agement systems can supply trigger wheels with or without • Simplified installation:
SKF Rotostat sealing module sensors as standalone units for camshafts, –– All components integrated into the
with sensor or as an integrated SKF Rotostat sealing sealing module
module for crankshafts. –– Available as a system complete with
Further developments of the successful sensor
SKF Rotostat sealing module have focused • Trigger wheel may be used as the seal
on the integration of magnetic trigger counterface for a cassette system
wheels for engine management. The basic • Different magnetic pole patterns available
function of the sensor is to provide input on at no additional cost
speed and angular position of the crankshaft • Excellent chemical resistance and tem-
for engine, fuel and transmission manage- perature range for long service life
ment systems. • High signal strength reduces sensitivity of
The system provides high accuracy, as the the wheel to sensor air gap
torsional vibration of the crankshaft is at a
minimum at the flywheel (the location of the
module). In addition, SKF can offer magnet-
ized trigger wheels of high resolution which
allow for a reduction of angular errors.

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 Valve stem seals High pressure valve
stem seals
• Independent pressure lip allows the main
lip to function under high pressure for
consistent oil metering
In addition to the standard designs described • Reduced risk of valve stem scuffing and
on the previous page, SKF has developed a guide wear as optimum lubrication is
Valve stem seals provide a defined metering rate of oil to the valve stem interface of internal new valve stem seal design for high pres- maintained under pressure
combustion engines to lubricate the valve guide and minimize engine emissions. SKF valve sure engine applications. The high pressure • Special static seating design avoids
stem seals are available for diesel and gasoline engines with or without boosting. in the manifolds can arise through engine ­popping off under pressure – a groove
downsizing using high boost pressures as is required in the valve guide
well as back pressure from the exhaust • Minimum blow-by of exhaust gases
SKF offers two standard designs of ­system. In heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and ­leaking past the seal
“state-of-the-art” valve stem seals: buses), very high pressures can arise when • Design features incorporated to provide
an exhaust brake is in operation. High pres- lowest friction even with the addition of
• Non-integrated seal (Type VSS): fulfils the sure valve stem seals improve the quality of an additional sealing lip.
function of oil metering emissions and enhance engine operation by
• Integrated seal (Type VSI): ­incorporates a withstanding higher pressures in the In addition to all the benefits of existing SKF
spring seat to prevent ­cylinder head wear ­exhaust and intake ports of the engine, valve stem seal technology, the new high
resulting from valve spring movement while maintaining their primary function as pressure valve stem seal design enables cost
an oil metering device. savings in the engine blow-by system. The
The designs of SKF valve stem seals provide Because an additional sealing lip adds blow-by gas volume is reduced as the sealing
a number of excellent dynamic sealing friction to the system, SKF has included lip does not open. This means that capacity
characteristics: special design features to minimize this and size of the oil separation unit can be
­increase by fine tuning the geometry and decreased.
• Flexible lip to allow valve stem movement using a patented beaded lip feature which
and static eccentricity captures an oil film under the pressure lip. For additional information, see the Valve
• Lip stabilized by bonded reinforced ring The design characteristics of the high stem seals dedicated product brochure.
• Constant radial force through use of a pressure valve stem seal provide excellent
tempered garter spring dynamic sealing abilities:
Non-integrated designs
As a European market leader in valve stem
seals, SKF can offer the following
advantages:

• Consistent oil metering and long service

life for optimum valve lubrication and
minimum engine emissions
• Develop seals to specific customer
­requirements or use standard seals
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Ability to accommodate a wide range of Integrated design Non-integrated designs
temperatures
• High wear resistance

Integrated design

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 Additional engine Sealing Solutions
sealing solutions from SKF
Spark plug and injector PTFE shaft seals for In addition to engine seals, SKF products Materials
tube seals auxiliary units provide complete automotive sealing solu- The selection and development of suitable
tions for transmission, driveline, steering materials is a critical element in sealing
SKF offers static seals that can accommodate Due to increases in fuel economy and reduc- and suspension systems. This single source technology. Seals must resist increasingly
a high degree of misalignment for sealing tions in emissions and CO2, the automotive approach is possible through a worldwide high temperatures, forces and pressures.
spark plugs in gasoline engines, for solenoids, ­industry is moving to downsize engines network offering one-source accountability. Specific media, alternative fuels or lubricant
or for injectors in diesel engines. while at the same time maintaining or even In all SKF sealing concepts, there is a strong properties must also be considered to pro-
To improve power and efficiency, the increasing power output. This is leading to focus on minimizing friction, either to mini- vide the right solution for specific customer
position of the spark plug or the injector is increased use of boosting and high pressure mize CO2 emissions and fuel consumption or application requirements. Newly developed
typically the centre of the combustion direct fuel injection. to improve the functional characteristics. materials include elastomers that provide
chamber. These components typically pass SKF is addressing the sealing needs in lower friction or withstand a wide operating
through the cylinder head cover. Because it these applications with PTFE shaft seals for Global availability temperature range.
is necessary to retain oil inside these covers, injection pumps and superchargers. SKF has the commitment and global resourc-
a special seal is required. SKF has designed These shaft seals utilize a specially for- es to support the unique requirements of its Testing and analysis
a unique seal for these applications, providing mulated PTFE wafer for optimum running customers’ operations. With a global opera- SKF has a global network of testing facilities
the following advantages: with little lubricant and in the presence of tions footprint, SKF offers sealing solutions which are equipped to fully validate the
fuel (diesel, gasoline or alternative fuels). for rotating and reciprocating applications function and performance of engine seals.
• Easy servicing as the cover does not have Advantages of PTFE shaft seals in these from prototype to serial production close to Advanced testing, such as key life testing
to be removed for unit access applications are: its customers. which uses test profiles and operating
• The moulded-in spring design seals under ­conditions taken from real applications,
high misalignment conditions and prevents • Improved resistance to fuels and Engineering and R&D is available as well as testing in customer
the spring from popping off during lubricants SKF uses the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) components and assemblies. All tests are
installation • Wider temperature range than methodology to develop best-in-class prod- conducted using final application require-
• The rubber coated seal is resistant to elastomers ucts and manufacturing processes. With ments to represent end user working
corrosion • Low friction, power loss and shaft wear ­increasing pressure to save development conditions.
• Increased temperature range over through special PTFE formulations time and cost, SKF engineers also benefit
standard materials • High pressure resistance from a proprietary and newly designed soft-
ware which helps SKF designers to simulate
sealing performance under a variety of con-
ditions to receive confirmation of seal design
suitability.

Spark plug tube seal PTFE shaft seal

Bayonet shaft seals

The bayonet shaft seal is a special design
used when high installation forces are to be
avoided. The radial static seal on the outside
diameter is replaced by a flexible axial static
seal. In this case, the fixing is performed
with a plastic bayonet, similar to the system
for camera lenses.

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 The Power of Knowledge Engineering These competence areas include bearings and
Combining products, people, and application- units, seals, lubrication systems, mechatronics,
Bearings and Lubrication
Seals
housings systems
specific knowledge, SKF delivers innovative and a wide range of services, from 3-D computer
solutions to equipment manufacturers and pro- modelling to cloud-based condition monitoring
duction facilities in every major industry world- and asset management services.
wide. Having expertise in multiple competence SKF’s global footprint provides SKF customers
Mechatronics Services
areas supports SKF Life Cycle Management, a with uniform quality standards and worldwide
proven approach to improving equipment reliabil- product availability. Our local presence provides
ity, optimizing operational and energy efficiency direct access to the experience, knowledge and
and reducing total cost of ownership. ingenuity of SKF people.

SKF BeyondZero is more than our climate strategy our customers the SKF BeyondZero portfolio of
for a sustainable environment: it is our mantra; a products and services with enhanced environ-
way of thinking, innovating and acting. mental performance characteristics.
For us, SKF BeyondZero means that we will For inclusion in the SKF BeyondZero portfolio,
reduce the negative environmental impact from a product, service or solution must deliver signifi-
our own operations and at the same time, increase cant environmental benefits without serious
the positive environmental contribution by offering environmental trade-offs.

seals.automotive@skf.com

® SKF and ROTOSTAT are registered trademarks of the SKF Group.

Six Sigma is a registered service mark and trademark of Motorola Inc.
© SKF Group 2013
The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even ex-
tracts) unless prior written permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of
the information contained in this publication but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage
whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of the use of the information contained herein.
PUB SE/P2 10731/2 EN · October 2013
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