what is the difference between a gasket and a seal?

A gasket seals the seam between two statioary parts.

A seal seals between a stationary and a moving part,for example a crank seal seals between a casting and a moving crank shaft. A head gasket seals between the flat surface of the cyliner and the head.

Gasket And Seal

A seal is like an o-ring that stops oil or air leaks in a hose; also in canning produce in a pressure cooker; also in sealing fruit preserves, hot wax is poured over product in a jar which hardens and forms a seal, keeping the air out.

A gasket is used on an engine oil pan or a head gasket ect., in which case gasket seal # 1, 2, or 3 is applied to the gasket to bond the seal.

The terms gasket and seal are used a little interchangeably.

They do pretty much the same job, there is no solid rule

that makes a gasket a gasket and a seal seal.

Generally…

A gasket goes between two non-moving parts (usually made from a flat piece of paper-like material or thin metal)

A seal goes between moving and non-moving parts,

or two moving parts. (usually made of rubber or rubber-like material)

A gasket is flat, USUALLY as a paper/fiber (think Chevy valve cover gasket) or soft metal like copper (Triumph head gasket).

A seal can be an o-ring, cupped shaped (old Chevy valve guide seal), a metal outer race with a rubber cupped seal with spring expander inside, etc.

A gasket is sandwiched between 2 mating faces and a seal is a mammal that likes to eat fish.

a gasket usually made out of rubber or cork is used when mating two pieces together a seal is for round object usually like your cranshaft that seals by rubbing against crank

all gaskets are seals. However, not all seals are gaskets. sometimes a seal is an o-ring. sometimes a seal is teflon tape.

gasket are used to mate surfaces…seals are used to keep fluids from leaking(out of passages). A gasket’s job is also used to prevent leaks but it’s main purpose is for sufaces

Gasket should always seal two big parts.

seal is made to seal a small part.