Improving Engine Coolant System Performance with the Science of Sealing Technology; Part III. Compact Seal Design

Auto manufacturers continue to push the limits of vehicle longevity to new extremes. Life expectancy has grown from 100,000 to 150,000 miles and OEMs have their targets set on the 300,000 mile mark. However, as this mandate for longer life continues to extend, suppliers are challenged to design and manufacture materials and products that will offer the same life expectancy and durability as other major components. For example, the water pump seal - the most crucial component within the coolant system - experiences extreme wear. Current seal face materials simply do not allow the seal to achieve the 300,000 mile goal. Therefore, new advanced materials - highly resistant to wear and system upsets - are required if components are to offer the durability and the efficiency required to meet the growing mileage milestone. This paper will discuss the development of a robust seal - the Global Compact Seal (GCS) - designed to tolerate adverse conditions in water pumps, as validated by testing on a Las Vegas taxi fleet.