Gaskets are commonly used to seal spaces and prevent leaks. They are found at the mating surfaces of parts. When two or more parts meet, fluids or gases may leak out of these mating surfaces. Gaskets, however, create an airtight and fluid-tight seal where parts meet. Below are six common myths about gaskets that you shouldn’t believe.
#1) Limited Shapes and Sizes
Think gaskets are available in a limited number of shapes and sizes? Think again. Different machines and parts require different gaskets. As a result, you can find gaskets in just about any shape and size possible. You can even order custom gaskets in specific shapes and sizes.
#2) All Gaskets Are Elastic
Not all gaskets are elastic. While many of them are, in fact, made of an elastic material like polytetrafluoroethylene or rubber, others are made of rigid materials. Automotive head gaskets, for instance, are often made of multiple layers of steel. Multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets such as this can withstand extreme heat and pressure, making them ideal for sealing spaces between engine blocks and cylinder heads.
#3) Same as O-Rings
Some people assume that gaskets are the same as O-rings, but this isn’t necessarily true. While they are both used to seal spaces, they are two different types of mechanical seals with their own unique characteristics. O-rings are always circular and ring-shaped. Gaskets, on the other hand, are available in many different shapes.
#4) Only Seal a Single Mating Surface
Another common myth is that each gasket only seals a single mating surface. Some gaskets are designed to seal a single mating surface, but others can seal multiple mating surfaces. Window gaskets fall under the former category. They seal the space between a window and the adjacent frame. Automotive head gaskets, in comparison, seal multiple mating surfaces, such as oil passages, coolant passages and exhaust passages.
#5) Reusing Gaskets Can Save Money
Don’t make the mistake of trying to save money by reusing a gasket. Most gaskets are designed for single use. After all, they are regularly exposed to pressurized gases or fluids, which is typically accompanied by heat. Installing a used gasket may result in a poor seal that causes leaks. Therefore, it’s best to err on the side of caution by using new gaskets.
#6) Gasket Failure Indicates a Problem With the Gasket
When a gasket fails, you may assume the problem was the gasket, but this isn’t always the case. Gaskets can fail from other causes. Excessive heat and pressure, for instance, is a common cause of gasket failure. While gaskets are designed to handle heat and pressure, they can only withstand so much before warping and failing.