How Long to Gaskets Last

[Jeff in W.C.]

I went through my stash of parts, and noticed I had purchased spare gaskets (e.g. timing cover, oil pan, etc.), shaft seals, pushrod tub seals, various o-rings, etc. How long do these last? They've been in my garage, which can get very hot (105+) several times a year. The majority of these were most likely purchased ten years ago--give or take a few years.

[Rob Frankham]

Just about forever if they're kept flat, dry and undamaged...

Rob

[Jeff in W.C.]

Rob, thanks for your response.

[SteveD]

I wonder what the shelf life of rubber is? eg the push rod seals.

[Zombie Master]

I wonder what the shelf life of rubber is? eg the push rod seals.

+1

[Rob Frankham]

Again, with most synthetic rubbers, provided they're kept in original packaging and kept away from chemicals and sunight, they'll last a very long time without ill effects. It's heat UV and chemicals that cause 'rubbers' to detetiorate... that and physical damage.

Rob

[Kurt in S.A.]

Not sure I'd trust the viability of gaskets/seals stored that way for that long. IMO not worth the consequences or hassles to have to do a job a second time.

Kurt in S.A.