COP 1028-T/5

COP 1028-T/5 8311 1200 54 Maintaining correct hydraulic pressure is critical to a drifter's function. This collection of seals is installed throughout the drifter body during a rebuild, specifically within the percussion mechanism, rotation motor, and accumulator sections. They work by preventing both internal and external hydraulic oil leaks, which is essential for keeping high-pressure and low-pressure circuits separate. This ensures the impact piston and other moving parts receive the full hydraulic force needed for efficient drilling.

When seals begin to wear, drilling performance suffers directly. An internal leak causes a loss of impact energy, meaning the drifter hits with less force and penetration rates drop. An external leak creates a significant slip hazard on the rig and can allow contaminants like dust and water to enter the drifter's internal workings. This contamination quickly leads to premature wear of more expensive components, making timely seal replacement crucial for reliability.

The most obvious signs of failing seals are visible oil leaking from the drifter housing and a noticeable decrease in drilling power. During a service, it is always best practice to replace all the seals from a complete kit, not just the one that failed. This approach prevents an old, weakened seal from failing shortly after the repair, saving the time and cost of removing the drifter for service again.