What should you do after discovering a small seal leak shortly after installing a steel bellows type compressor shaft seal?

The choice to operate the unit for a period of time and then recheck for leaks is often appropriate in this scenario involving a small seal leak shortly after installation. When a new steel bellows type compressor shaft seal is installed, it's possible that the seal has not fully seated or established itself properly in its operational environment. Running the unit allows the seal materials, including the elastomers that might be part of it, to settle and conform to the mating surfaces under actual operating conditions.

Furthermore, sometimes minor leaks can correct themselves as the components engage more fully with one another during the initial operational process. By running the unit and then checking for leaks again, you allow for the possibility that the issue may resolve naturally, thereby avoiding unnecessary disassembly and replacement of components unless absolutely necessary.

Other options, such as replacing the seal due to a suspected crack or using lapping compound from the kit, may not address the root of the issue immediately and could potentially create more problems if not warranted. Re-torquing the seal collar and rechecking could be a viable step, but it is essential to first allow the seal to operate, as retightening without sufficient operation may not yield conclusive results regarding the leak. Thus, the prudent approach is to monitor and