Volvo Penta TAD1630G Workshop Manual page 11

Group 20
Safety rules for fluorocarbon
rubber
Fluorocarbon rubber is a common material in seal rings for
shafts, and in O-rings, for example.
When fluorocarbon rubber is subjected to high temperatures
(above 300°C/572°F), hydrofluoric acid can be formed,
which is highly corrosive. Skin contact can give severe
chemical burns. Splashes in your eyes can give severe
chemical burns. If you breathe in the fumes, your lungs can
be permanently damaged.
WARNING! Be very careful when working on engines
which have been exposed to high temperatures, e.g.
overheating during a seizure or fire. Seals must never
be cut with an oxy-acetylene torch, or be burned up
afterwards in an uncontrolled manner.
•
Always use gloves made of chloroprene rubber (gloves
for handling chemicals) and protective goggles.
•
Handle the removed seal in the same way as corrosive
acid. All residue, including ash, can be highly corrosive.
Never use compressed air to blow anything clean.
•
Put the remains in a plastic jar which is sealed and pro-
vided with a warning label. Wash the gloves under run-
ning water before removing them.
The following seals are probably made from fluorocarbon
rubber:
Seal rings for the crankshaft, camshaft, intermediate shafts.
O-rings irrespective of where they are installed. O- rings for
cylinder liner sealing are almost always made from fluorocar-
bon rubber.
Note that seals which have not been subjected to high tem-
perature can be handled normally.
Service procedures
9