Do the crank oil seals go bad with time or use?

[billyjoejr]

I have an 032 with very little time on the engine.
Piston and cylinder look great.
I have replaced all the rubber parts(AV mounts, fuel lines, etc) and rebuilt the carb.
I am worried the crank oil seals will go since the saw is so old and I just wasted a lot of money in replacing the other parts.
Do the oil seals wear out with use or deteriorate with age?
The saw was my grandpa's, so there is an emotional attachment.
I would love for it to go another 25 years.

Thanks
Billy

 

[dtnodya]

It's hard to say when/how they will go ... they could last another 25 or could blow tomorrow. I'd replace them if I was worried about it, especially since you already replaced a lot of stuff. Sounds like you care a lot about the saw so go all out. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[troutfisher]

You could pressure test the saw to see if the seals are good.

 

[Jacob J.]

That rubber outer lip deteriorates over time and with exposure to heat. So as old as that saw is they probably need replacing, even if they weren't run hot very long.

 

[oldsaw]

Both. It's kind of a race between wear and age. One will win eventually.

Mark

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Do the oil seals wear out with use or deteriorate with age?

Yes. Replace them.

 

[Lakeside53]

032 seals rarely fail .. even after 20+ years. if they are working, leave them alone..

 

[billyjoejr]

032 seals rarely fail .. even after 20+ years. if they are working, leave them alone..

That's what I wanted to hear. :rockn:

Working on the outside of the saw, I can do.
Digging into the saws guts is something I am leery of and $$$$ to have someone else do.


Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

[ropensaddle]

You will know if they do saw will act wild !

 

[PES+]

Fill the case with automatic transmission fluid and rotate the crank for a while in both directions. Let sit over night or a day or two then rinse out with fuel mix.

The trans fluid has seal conditioner in it as well as additives to suspend rust and dirt to help clean out bearings.

 

[glenn31792]

nice trick PEST

 

[troutfisher]

Fill the case with automatic transmission fluid and rotate the crank for a while in both directions. Let sit over night or a day or two then rinse out with fuel mix.

The trans fluid has seal conditioner in it as well as additives to suspend rust and dirt to help clean out bearings.

WOW! I have used Trans fluid as a cleaner and lube for installing seals and o-rings, But I never thought to apply it to chainsaws. That is a great Idea! We mix a little trans fluid in the oil on old engines to help clean them, It has lots of detergent and holds the crud in suspension to be caught by the filter, or goes out the drain.