Environmental Chamber Testing for Fel-Pro® Valve Cover Gaskets

Testing Ensures Performance

Developing gaskets for the harsh conditions found in the repair environment is at the heart of everything we do at Fel-Pro®. To ensure that a gasket is up to the challenge, Fel-Pro engineers perform a series of tests before a part is released into the marketplace.

In the case of silicone press-in-place valve cover gaskets for engines like the Ford 3.5L/3.7L EcoBoost, Fel-Pro engineers took the extra step of conducting environmental chamber testing to show that the fit, function and durability of the gasket matches OE performance. Doing this testing ensures that Fel-Pro gaskets can handle extreme conditions like the bitter cold of winter and the high underhood temperatures of summer.

Advantages of Fel-Pro’s Blue Silicone Valve Cover Gasket

While the OE valve cover gasket uses a polyacrylic material, Fel-Pro’s press-in place valve cover gasket uses an in-house proprietary blend of blue silicone material that offers many advantages without sacrificing performance. Used in many of its gaskets, Fel-Pro’s blue silicone material has a proven history of sealing success. You can count on Fel-Pro blue silicone gaskets for:

• Abrasion and tear resistance.
• Ability to seal in oil over a wide range of temperatures.
• Provides a tight fit into the valve cover groove.
• Low compression set to provide a long-lasting seal.

Evaluating the Performance of Fel-Pro Valve Cover Gaskets

To ensure that Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets are ready for real-world conditions, they are subjected to extensive environmental chamber testing. Using an enclosed chamber, this type of test gives engineers the ability to mimic the environmental conditions that a gasket could be subject to when installed on the vehicle.

Using thermal cycling, this type of testing produces repeated exposure to heat and cold to expand and contract the gasket while oil is circulated inside the cover. Simulating the same type of extreme conditions that occur in the real world, engineers put the gasket through 1,000 hours of test time at temperatures ranging from -40°F to 275°F.

The result of this testing? After 1,000 hours of testing under extreme temperatures and no leaks, Fel-Pro’s proprietary blue silicone material proved it was able to seal in compliance with stringent testing guidelines. You can rely on and install Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets with confidence.

Learn more about Fel-Pro quality gaskets that are specifically designed for the repair environment, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.