ls1 what makes gasket seals go hard

[v8commodore]

hey guys have a 2001 vx ss it has 112k on it but has just started to get the usual leaks and seaps. just replaced the timing cover gasket now the sump gasket is starting to seep a bit. i know car is still 14 years old i only get to drive it like 2 times a week atm. could not driving it all time cause gaskets and seals to start to get hard and crack inside or its most like just the age not the kms? thanks

[boggers007]

hey guys have a 2001 vx ss it has 112k on it but has just started to get the usual leaks and seaps. just replaced the timing cover gasket now the sump gasket is starting to seep a bit. i know car is still 14 years old i only get to drive it like 2 times a week atm. could not driving it all time cause gaskets and seals to start to get hard and crack inside or its most like just the age not the kms? thanks

I believe with the lack of driving the seals in certain area's don't get the lubrication and dry up over time.

[Bling Bling]

Luck of the draw 2x a week is fine maybe its the oil you are useing, changed the diff pinion seal at 180000km no sign of leaks, went for a 60km drive got back and smelt oil yep diff oil on the Exhaust so cars and shit happen.

[Peter B - CV8]

If it's getting driven at least "2 times a week" then it's hardly likely to dry out any seals. My Monaro sits in the garage for up to 3 weeks between drives & is as tight as a drum ie no oil leaks/seeps at all.

[Blown 454 AWD]

Correct

Seals dry out over time, go hard with continuous heat with nothing to restore this. (volatile top ends of the rubber evaporate and need replenishing)

If the seal is no good condition eg: no splits or tears or pieces missing then it's able to be softened (with a good seal saver)

and conform to the shaft again, softened so the spring can hold it against the shaft and leak the stops.


Seal Savers don't work on gaskets only rubber.

Cheers

Steve

[v8commodore]

bit the ls1 sump gaskets etc are metal with rubber on them