3685173
Oil Seal
Cummins®

Introduction

The Cummins 3685173 Oil Seal is a component designed for use in commercial trucks. It serves to prevent oil leakage from specific areas within the engine or transmission, thereby maintaining the integrity of the lubrication system. This seal plays a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of the truck’s engine and transmission systems.

Basic Concepts of Oil Seals

An oil seal, also known as a rotary shaft seal, is a mechanical device used to prevent leakage of lubricants and keep contaminants out of rotating equipment. It functions by creating a barrier between the rotating shaft and the stationary housing. Oil seals are typically made from materials such as rubber, silicone, polyurethane, or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), each offering different properties like flexibility, resistance to chemicals, and temperature tolerance. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the environmental conditions the seal will encounter ¹.

Purpose of the 3685173 Oil Seal

The Cummins 3685173 Oil Seal is specifically designed to fit into the engine or transmission system of commercial trucks. Its primary role is to maintain a secure seal around rotating shafts, preventing oil from leaking out while also keeping dirt and debris from entering the system. This contributes to the overall functionality and efficiency of the truck by ensuring that the lubrication system remains intact, which is vital for the moving parts within the engine and transmission ².

Key Features

The Cummins 3685173 Oil Seal is characterized by its robust design and the quality of materials used in its construction. It typically features a spring-energized design that provides consistent pressure against the shaft, ensuring a tight seal. The materials used are chosen for their durability and resistance to the oils and temperatures encountered in truck engines. Additionally, the seal may have unique characteristics such as anti-rotation features or specific lip designs to enhance its performance and longevity in demanding applications ³.

Benefits

The use of the Cummins 3685173 Oil Seal offers several benefits. It contributes to improved engine performance by maintaining proper lubrication levels and preventing contamination. This leads to increased reliability of the truck’s engine and transmission systems. Furthermore, by reducing the likelihood of oil leaks, the seal helps in minimizing maintenance costs and downtime. These factors collectively enhance the overall efficiency and longevity of the truck.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Common issues with oil seals include leaks due to wear, damage, or improper installation. Regular inspection for signs of wear or damage is recommended to identify potential problems early. If a leak is detected, the seal should be inspected and, if necessary, replaced to prevent further damage to the engine or transmission. Regular maintenance practices, such as keeping the area around the seal clean and ensuring proper lubrication, can help extend the life of the oil seal and maintain its effectiveness.

Cummins Engine Oil Seal 3685173 Compatibility

The Cummins Oil Seal part number 3685173 is designed to fit a variety of Cummins engine models, ensuring a reliable seal to prevent oil leaks. Below is a detailed breakdown of the engine compatibility for this oil seal:

ISX Series Engines

• ISX12 CM2350 X102
• ISX12 G CM2180 EJ
• ISX12/ISX11.9 CM2250
• ISX15 CM2250
• ISX15 CM2250 SN
• ISX15 CM2350 X101

The ISX series engines, ranging from ISX12 to ISX15, are equipped with the part number 3685173 oil seal. This seal is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the engine’s oil system, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

ISZ Series Engines

• ISZ13 CM2150 Z105

The ISZ13 CM2150 Z105 engine also utilizes the 3685173 oil seal. This model benefits from the same robust sealing technology, providing a reliable barrier against oil leaks.

QSX Series Engines

• QSX11.9 CM2250 ECF
• QSX15 CM2250
• QSX15 CM2250 ECF
• QSX15 CM2350 X105

The QSX series engines, including the QSX11.9, QSX15, and their variants, are compatible with the 3685173 oil seal. This seal is engineered to fit these models, ensuring that the engine’s oil remains contained and the system operates efficiently.

QSZ Series Engines

• QSZ13 CM2150 Z101
• QSZ13 CM2150 Z102

The QSZ13 CM2150 Z101 and QSZ13 CM2150 Z102 engines are also designed to use the 3685173 oil seal. This compatibility ensures that these engines maintain their oil integrity, preventing leaks and maintaining performance.

X Series Engines

• X15 CM2350 X116B
• X15 CM2350 X123B
• X15 CM2450 X134B

The X series engines, including the X15 CM2350 X116B, X15 CM2350 X123B, and X15 CM2450 X134B, are compatible with the 3685173 oil seal. This seal is essential for these engines to maintain their oil system’s integrity.

Z Series Engine

• Z13 Z108G

The Z13 Z108G engine is also compatible with the 3685173 oil seal. This compatibility ensures that the engine’s oil system remains sealed and operational.

By ensuring the correct fitment of the 3685173 oil seal, these Cummins engines can maintain their performance and reliability, preventing oil leaks and extending the engine’s lifespan.

Role of Part 3685173 Oil Seal in Engine Components

Block

The oil seal, specifically part 3685173, is instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the engine block. Positioned at strategic points within the block, it prevents oil leakage while allowing smooth operation of moving parts. This ensures that the lubrication system functions effectively, reducing friction and wear on components housed within the block.

Cylinder

In the cylinder assembly, the oil seal part 3685173 plays a significant role in preserving the clean environment necessary for optimal performance. By sealing off oil passages, it prevents contamination of the combustion chamber, which is essential for maintaining compression and efficiency. This seal helps in sustaining the precise clearances required between the piston and cylinder wall.

Lower Engine Gasket Kit

When integrated into a lower engine gasket kit, the oil seal part 3685173 contributes to the overall sealing strategy of the engine. It works in conjunction with other gaskets to create a robust barrier against oil migration, ensuring that lower engine components remain well-lubricated without the risk of oil seepage into unintended areas.

Overhaul Kit

In an overhaul kit, the inclusion of part 3685173 oil seal is a testament to its importance in engine rejuvenation. During an engine overhaul, replacing worn or damaged seals is vital for restoring the engine’s performance to factory specifications. The oil seal ensures that all moving parts within the engine are adequately lubricated, facilitating a smooth and efficient operation post-overhaul.

Conclusion

The Cummins 3685173 Oil Seal is a critical component in the maintenance and efficiency of commercial truck engines. Its robust design, material quality, and precise fitment across various Cummins engine models ensure that it effectively prevents oil leaks and contamination, thereby enhancing engine performance and longevity. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of this part are essential practices to ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of the truck’s engine and transmission systems.