Step-by-step guide to identify and measure an unknown mechanical seal when the manufacturer or part number is missing.
If you have an unknown mechanical seal in front of you and need help identifying it, this interactive guide will walk you through exactly what to inspect, what to measure, and how to organize the information so PumpSealsUSA can cross-reference it for you. You don't need to know the manufacturer, the part number, or technical terminology. Just follow the steps and enter what you can measure.
This guide focuses on conventional component mechanical seals, the kind with separate rotating and stationary parts. If you have a cartridge seal, split seal, or aren't sure what type you have, the guide will collect your equipment and application information so you can still submit an identification request.
Mechanical seals come in thousands of variations. Manufacturers use different sizing conventions, spring designs, and mounting methods. When you don't have a part number, the most reliable way to find a replacement is to measure the physical seal carefully and provide photos. PumpSealsUSA uses the U.S. Seal Mfg. sizing methodology as one common reference framework, but we do not claim that measurements alone guarantee an exact identification. We review every submission before recommending a replacement.
Digital or dial calipers for measuring diameters and lengths. A ruler is not accurate enough for seal identification.
For taking photos of the seal components and equipment nameplate. The guide works on mobile so you can use it beside your pump or workbench.
Remove the seal from the equipment if possible. You'll need to measure both the rotating head and the stationary mating ring separately.
The guide saves your progress as you go, so you can step away and come back without losing your measurements.
Work through each step one at a time. Enter measurements in inches or millimeters. The guide remembers your unit selection. If you're not sure about a measurement, select "I'm not sure" and move on. You can always go back to correct a previous step without losing later entries. When you're done, you'll see a summary of everything you collected, and you can send it directly to PumpSealsUSA for review with one click.
Approximate calculated dimensions (like operating height) are estimates based on standard sizing methods, not exact measurements. Visual appearance alone does not positively identify seal face or elastomer materials. PumpSealsUSA will review your submitted measurements, photos, and application details before recommending a replacement.
The interactive guide below will walk you through each step. Your progress is saved automatically in this browser session.
Start by identifying what type of mechanical seal you have. Don't worry if you're not sure, select "Not Sure" and you can still submit an identification request with photos and application details.
The measurements you enter here can be added to your quote request. You can measure multiple seals before submitting.
Send us your information and we will help you find the right seal.
Get a Quote