In order to prevent air or fluid leaks, you probably know that you need to have O-rings on your equipment. If your O-rings have failed, then it might be time for you to replace them. You might know that this is something you can do yourself, but you could be a little bit worried about whether or not you're going to be able to do it properly. There are a few things you can do to be sure that your O-ring installation goes smoothly, however, such as by following these tips.
Remove the Old O-Ring First
First of all, you are going to need to remove the old O-ring before you can install the new one. This shouldn't be too hard to do, particularly if the O-ring is stretched out, torn, or otherwise damaged. Make sure that you shut your equipment down while you're removing the O-ring for safety purposes and to prevent leaks or damage to your equipment. Avoid turning your equipment back on until you have finished the O-ring installation.
Make Sure You Purchase the Right O-Ring
Of course, you will need to purchase a new O-ring to install on your equipment, and you'll want to be sure that you choose the right one. You won't want to choose one that is the same size as the one that you are removing, however. This is because the old O-ring might be stretched out, so if you purchase a new O-ring of the same size, it might be too big. Instead, if necessary, you should check the specifications for your equipment for more information about the specific size of O-ring you should purchase. You should also consider the material that your O-ring is made from to be sure you are purchasing the right one for your needs.
Have Lubricant On Hand
Many people don't know it, but you should use lubricant when installing O-rings. Lubricant will help prevent abrasion when you're installing your O-ring and will therefore help prevent damage to the O-ring. You will probably also find it's a lot easier for you to slide the O-ring into place if you use lubricant. Not only should you use lubricant when you're installing your new O-ring, but you will need to know when to add lubricant to the O-ring later for smooth operation, too.
Be Careful Not to Stretch the O-Ring
Of course, most O-rings are at least a little bit stretchy, which makes installation a little bit easier. Be careful not to overstretch your O-ring during the installation process, though, or you could cause permanent damage.
For more information about O-rings, reach out to a local service.
Share
