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April 2000

IMPROVED CATERPILLAR O-RING FACE SEALS

In an effort to improve seal performance, Caterpillar will modify the Nitrile 90 O-ring Face Seals
used in our hydraulic fittings to include a pink polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. This
IRM lists the affected part numbers, benefits of the PTFE coating, and additional benefits of
genuine Caterpillar O-ring Face Fitting Seals.

Part Numbers Affected

The following o-ring part numbers will have a pink PTFE coating:

Cross Section Outside Diameter

Part Number
(in.) (mm) (in.) (mm)
4J5477 .07 1.78 0.44 11.23
6V8397 .07 1.78 0.51 12.83
6V8398 .07 1.78 0.63 16.03
7J9108 .07 1.78 0.76 19.28
6V9746 .07 1.78 0.89 22.50
5K9090 .07 1.78 1.07 27.22
6V8400 .07 1.78 1.32 33.57
8T0315 .07 1.78 1.64 41.54

Since these part numbers will not change, the coated o-rings will be available as inventories of
the non-coated design are exhausted.

PELM0954 © 2000 Caterpillar

 HYD00-2 2

Benefits of the Pink PTFE Coating

The primary benefit of the coating is a reduction in hose and tube assembly seal leaks due to
incorrect installation of the o-ring face seal. The coating lowers friction between the seal and the
fitting. Lower friction helps prevent twisting that may occur when inserting the o-ring into the
fitting seal groove. If twisting occurs, there is an increased chance that the seal will not properly
seat in the groove causing the seal to leak. Another benefit of the seal is that it does not require
lubrication. When a service technician lubricates a seal, it increases the chance of introducing
contaminants, which could cause problems within the hydraulic system.

The pink coloring of the seal allows service technicians to easily notice if the seal is missing
during the installation of the hose or tube assembly.

Additional Benefits of Genuine Caterpillar O-ring Face Seal Design

There are two unique design features of these Caterpillar O-ring Face Seals. The inside and
outside diameters are slightly larger than the industry standard. In addition, our outside diameter
tolerance is about 50% smaller than the industry standard. These features provide a consistently
tighter fit between the Caterpillar O-ring Face Seal and our fitting groove. This results in greater
assurance that these Caterpillar O-ring Face Seals will not leak.

Megan D. Christofferson
Control Systems Division
Parts & Service Marketing
LC2188 - (309) 675-4379

IRM\00610823.DOC