Aftermarket Crank seals -vs - OEM crank seals?`

[Stihlofadeal64]

I have seen a few kits with aftermarket seals for case halves, that include the crank seals (For the Stihl 026 for example). I've also looked over some aftermarket seals for the MS290 type saws. I usually use Stihl OEM seals for my rebuilds, although I have tried some aftermarket stuff once. I was wondering if any of you chainsaw-rebuild-guru's have any long term experience with any of the aftermarket seals and would venture an opinion. Thanks for your insight in advance.

 

[litefoot]

OEM seals/gaskets are relatively inexpensive. In my mind, there's no reason to use anything else.

 

[Jacob J.]

OEM seals/gaskets are relatively inexpensive. In my mind, there's no reason to use anything else.

Yeah, a gasket and seal set for a 440 is $20 and that's cheap insurance...

 

[blsnelling]

The only seal I've ever had trouble getting over the lip on a crank was aftermarket.

 

[caddguy]

I tried aftermarket once...never again. I had a clutch side Aftermarket seal that wouldn't pull any vacuum. I tore it all down and put in OEM and have used OEM on 2-044 builds and an 046..never had a pressure or vacuum problem since! Really cheap imsurance in my opinion

 

[benmyers]

044 seals

Had aftermarket seals on an 044 that went south installing the 2nd one. Seal caved in. Also had trouble with the woodland pro crank seals from baileys being too wide.

 

[caleath]

I have only bought one set of oem seals..not a good experience for me. 2 029 seals from the dealer, that didnt have any in stock....34 bucks...and it took 3 days to get them. I need to find a good dealer within driving distance to me.

 

[67L36Driver]

I find it strange that "OEM" lip seals would be better or worse than 'aftermarket' seals. opcorn:

 

[Junkrunner]

Yeah, a gasket and seal set for a 440 is $20 and that's cheap insurance...

I doubt you'd find OEM around here, for that price. Jeeze , they wanted $21.00 a piece for 250 seals. :censored:

Needless to say, i went aftermarket at half that price and are workin fine. Maybe I just got lucky?

 

[pioneerguy600]

Have used a few hundred non OEM seals and had no difficulties installing or problems with them afterward, who do you think makes the OEM seals.

Pioneerguy600

 

[sachsmo]

Chicago Rawhide seals, they have one for most every application under the sun.

My Kaman salesman can cross reference every seal I have needed (bearings too) He gave me a nice catalog, so I just do some measuring, and find my own part number now.

 

[mountainlake]

Stihl prices are crazy, rip off, for my Echo CS520 OEM seals are $3.75 each, rings are $3.70 each. Steve

 

[sachsmo]

Yes sir,

If Stihl prices were not so crazy, there would be a few creamsicles in my stable.

Seems everyone has the name recognition on them, sure glad most have never heard of Sachs Dolmar!

Production Manager at work thought he needed a Stihl, tryed out his neighbors 290 and was pretty impressed, until I let him use my 5100 for a weekend.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Modifiedmark]

Have used a few hundred non OEM seals and had no difficulties installing or problems with them afterward, who do you think makes the OEM seals.

Pioneerguy600

Exactly right.

 

[wigglesworth]

I have used both OEM and Aftermarket, and to date, have had zero problems.

 

[Mad Professor]

I doubt you'd find OEM around here, for that price. Jeeze , they wanted $21.00 a piece for 250 seals. :censored:

Needless to say, i went aftermarket at half that price and are workin fine. Maybe I just got lucky?

That's why you buy the complete gasket /seal set for $15-20, chaeaper than buying seals alone......

P.S. I've never paid $20 yet, all have been $13-16, for complete gasket set W/seals.

 

[67L36Driver]

Chicago Rawhide seals, they have one for most every application under the sun.

My Kaman salesman can cross reference every seal I have needed (bearings too) He gave me a nice catalog, so I just do some measuring, and find my own part number now.

Exactly. Stihl, Echo, Husky, Poulan etc. don't make their own, they get them from CR, National or Garlock just like the rest of us. Only difference is they buy in bulk.

Learn to run a dial caliper.

 

[Cantdog]

I'm with Jerry and Mark on this one. That said, seals are like just about everything else, vastly differing prices and quality levels. Don't for a second think that "OEM" means the very best seals you can buy. Manufacturers select "OEM" seals and bearings getting the best quality for money spent that is proven adequate for their needs. Not the best you can buy necessarily. Buy the same token "Aftermarket" is always painted with a very broad brush as being of very poor quality. This is not the case. You can go from a very cheap and near useless seal to a rather expensive seal used in the aerospace industry all with the same dimensions. The trick is you knowing the difference and buying the right "Aftermarket" seals or bearings.

The only advantage to "OEM" is that you don't have figure it all out. The manufacturers have done all the leg work and usually get paid very well for their efforts.

 

[Junkrunner]

That's why you buy the complete gasket /seal set for $15-20, chaeaper than buying seals alone......

P.S. I've never paid $20 yet, all have been $13-16, for complete gasket set W/seals.

Yeah, I see your point. But the only other gasket on a 250 is the exhaust. Unless the carb gaskets are included?

When I called the dealer, I asked for a set of crank seals? He said they're twenty-one dollars A PIECE, plus tax. Should I have asked for a complete gasket set???
I got two other dealers, but they're farther away. Guess, I'm gonna try one of those fellas.

If they was any kind of a decent person. They would have told me the cheapest route. That's just wishful thinkin. Ain't it?

 

[Junkrunner]

Chicago Rawhide seals, they have one for most every application under the sun.

My Kaman salesman can cross reference every seal I have needed (bearings too) He gave me a nice catalog, so I just do some measuring, and find my own part number now.

thanks, that's the kinda place I'm lookin for!