3686035
Diamond Ring Seal
Cummins®

Introduction

The Diamond Ring Seal, identified by the part number 3686035, is a critical component manufactured by Cummins, a renowned name in the commercial truck industry. This seal is specifically designed for use in commercial trucks, where it plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the engine or transmission system. Understanding its function and importance is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.

Basic Concepts and Functionality

The Diamond Ring Seal is a type of mechanical seal engineered to prevent leaks in systems where rotating shafts pass through stationary housings ¹. Its structure typically includes a pair of sealing rings—one stationary and one rotating—that create a seal when pressed together. The materials used in these seals are often durable and resistant to wear, such as carbon or ceramic, which contribute to their effectiveness in high-stress environments. The seal operates by maintaining contact between the rotating and stationary rings, which helps to prevent the escape of fluids or gases from the system.

Role in Truck Operation

In the operation of a truck, the Diamond Ring Seal serves a vital function within the engine or transmission system. It ensures that fluids, such as oil or coolant, remain contained within their respective systems, which is necessary for the efficient operation of the engine. By maintaining a reliable seal, it helps to prevent contamination and ensures that the system operates under the correct pressure, which is crucial for the performance and durability of the truck ².

Key Features

The Diamond Ring Seal is characterized by several key features that enhance its performance and reliability. These include a precision-engineered design that ensures a tight seal, the use of high-quality materials that resist wear and corrosion, and a construction that allows for flexibility in accommodating minor misalignments or shaft deflections. Additionally, the seal is designed to operate efficiently under a range of temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for the demanding conditions found in commercial truck applications.

Benefits

The advantages provided by the Diamond Ring Seal include improved sealing performance, which leads to reduced leakage and contamination of the system. Its durable construction contributes to a longer service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Furthermore, the efficient operation of the seal helps to maintain system pressure and performance, which can lead to enhanced overall efficiency of the truck.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the Diamond Ring Seal, it is important to be aware of common issues that may arise. Regular inspection for signs of wear or damage is recommended, as is the proper lubrication of the seal to reduce friction and wear. Maintenance practices should include checking for proper alignment and ensuring that the seal is not subjected to excessive temperatures or pressures. If issues are detected, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or a professional technician for repair or replacement ³.

Compatibility with Cummins Engines

The Diamond Ring Seal, identified by the part number 3686035, is a critical component in various Cummins engine models. This seal is designed to ensure optimal performance and longevity by preventing leaks and maintaining pressure within the engine’s system. Below is a detailed overview of the engines that are compatible with this seal, grouped by their model series for clarity.

ISX Series Engines

• ISX12 CM2350 X102
• ISX12/ISX11.9 CM2250
• ISX15 CM2250
• ISX15 CM2250 SN

The ISX series engines, including the ISX12 and ISX15 variants, are high-performance engines widely used in heavy-duty applications. The Diamond Ring Seal is integral to these engines, ensuring that the crankcase and other critical areas remain sealed, thus maintaining the engine’s efficiency and reliability.

QSX Series Engines

• QSX11.9 CM2250 ECF
• QSX15 CM2250
• QSX15 CM2250 ECF

The QSX series engines, both the QSX11.9 and QSX15 models, are known for their robust design and superior performance in various industrial applications. The Diamond Ring Seal is essential in these engines, providing a tight seal that prevents oil leaks and maintains the necessary pressure levels for optimal engine operation.

X Series Engines

• X12 CM2350 X119B
• X15 CM2350 X123B

The X series engines, including the X12 and X15 models, are designed for versatility and durability. The Diamond Ring Seal plays a crucial role in these engines by ensuring that the sealing integrity is maintained, which is vital for the engines’ overall performance and longevity.

Role in Engine Systems

The Diamond Ring Seal is instrumental in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of various engine components. In the Exhaust Recirculation Cooler Kit, this seal plays a significant role in maintaining the pressure differential required for effective cooling of recirculated exhaust gases. It ensures that the cooler operates within optimal parameters, enhancing the overall performance of the exhaust recirculation system.

Within the Exhaust Recirculation Valve Kit, the seal is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring that the valve functions correctly. This is vital for maintaining the correct air-fuel ratio and reducing emissions. The seal’s precision fit and durability are key to the valve’s reliable operation under varying engine conditions.

In the Manifold system, the Diamond Ring Seal helps in securing connections and joints, ensuring that there are no unwanted air leaks. This contributes to consistent airflow and pressure, which are necessary for the manifold to distribute air evenly to the engine cylinders.

For the Air Intake system, the seal is used to create a tight fit between components, ensuring that the intake system draws in the correct amount of air without any leaks. This is important for maintaining the engine’s power output and fuel efficiency.

In an Overhaul Kit, the seal is often included to replace worn-out components during engine maintenance. Its role here is to restore the engine’s sealing integrity, which is compromised over time due to wear and tear.

The Plumbing system of the engine benefits from the seal by ensuring that all fluid connections are secure. This is particularly important in systems where precise fluid dynamics are required, such as in the cooling system or lubrication system.

In Turbocharger applications, the seal is used to maintain the high-pressure environment necessary for the turbocharger to function efficiently. It ensures that the compressed air from the turbocharger is delivered to the engine without any loss of pressure.

The seal also plays a part in the Recirculation system by ensuring that the recirculated gases are properly sealed within the system. This is important for reducing emissions and improving engine efficiency.

In the Exhaust system, the seal is used to ensure that the exhaust gases are properly contained and directed away from the engine compartment. This is important for both performance and safety reasons.

For the Upper Engine Gasket Kit and Upper Engine Gasket Set, the seal is used to ensure that the gaskets fit properly and create a secure seal. This is vital for preventing leaks and ensuring that the upper engine components function correctly.

Conclusion

The 3686035 Diamond Ring Seal is a versatile and critical component that enhances the performance and reliability of various engine systems by ensuring proper sealing and pressure maintenance. Its compatibility with a wide range of Cummins engines underscores its importance in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of commercial trucks.