Tech

Review: The Best RC Engine Gaskets & O-Rings

Choosing the right gasket or O-ring for your RC vehicle is a small decision that pays huge dividends: proper seals prevent leaks, keep dirt and water out, and extend engine and electronics life. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-referencing manufacturer specs, and analyzing user feedback to identify reliable, durable options for common RC needs.

Considerations when choosing RC gaskets & O-rings

When evaluating products I prioritized real-world durability, fit/compatibility, and ease of installation. I combined three information sources:

  • Manufacturer specifications and material data (temperature resistance, rubber compound, or upgrades like aviation aluminum).
  • Hands-on testing: installation, sealing performance, and how well parts resist deformation under stress and heat.
  • Consumer feedback and expert reviews to spot common failure modes and fitment issues.

Key factors that determined rankings:

  • Material & heat resistance: Engine gaskets must hold up to high temperatures; gearbox seals need flexible, resilient rubber. Upgraded materials (silicone, reinforced rubbers) performed better in tests.
  • Fit & OEM compatibility: Parts with factory hole locations or OEM sizing reduced installation time and avoided trimming or shimming.
  • Completeness of kit: Kits that include grease or multiple seal types (foam seals, O-rings) give better value for routine maintenance.
  • Price vs. longevity: Cheap replacements can be acceptable for consumable small items, but for critical engine or gearbox seals, spend up front on higher-quality materials to avoid repeat failures.

This approach produced a shortlist that balances price, compatibility, and proven performance.

Best Budget Pick
ARRMA P-5 O-Rings

ARRMA P-5 O-Rings

Small, OEM-fit O-rings for quick replacements and routine maintenance. These ARRMA P-5 O-rings are inexpensive, fit factory parts precisely, and are handy to keep in your toolkit for emergency repairs or routine resealing.

$4 from Amazon

ARRMA P-5 O-Rings (Best Budget Pick)

ARRMA's P-5 O-Rings are a straightforward, low-cost option for replacing worn seals on compatible components. What makes them useful is the OEM sizing and consistent rubber compound — they slip into place easily and provide a reliable short-term seal. If you race frequently and go through small seals, stocking these is a no-brainer.

Technical notes: small pack (4) OEM part, typical elastomer compound suitable for general-purpose RC sealing. Pros: very affordable, genuine fit. Cons: limited quantity per pack and not formulated for extreme high-temperature engine exhaust sealing — better for low-heat applications and small plumbing or hardware seals.

Premium Choice
High-Temp Engine Gasket Set

High-Temp Engine Gasket Set

A comprehensive gasket set built for 23–30.5cc nitro/gas engines. Comes with high-temperature resistant materials for durable sealing under engine heat—ideal for 1/5 scale engine rebuilds and heavy-duty use.

$11 from Amazon

High-Temp Engine Gasket Set (Premium Choice)

This FLMLF 4-hole gasket set targets large 1/5-scale engines (23–30.5cc). It stands out for heat resistance and longevity — materials engineered not to melt or break under prolonged high-temperature operation. If you rebuild or refresh big-bore engines, this kit is designed to match OEM forms while adding improved sealing life.

Technical details: fits common Zenoah/CY/ROFUN/ROVAN engines; the gaskets are specified as high-temperature resistant and dimensioned for 4-hole head/flange designs. Pros: durable under heat, broad engine compatibility, reduces need for frequent gasket changes. Cons: only suitable for the listed engine families — confirm compatibility before ordering.

Best Value for Money
Gearbox Sealing Gasket

Gearbox Sealing Gasket

A well-made gearbox sealing gasket designed for Arrma 1/8–1/7 models. Upgraded rubber resists deformation and features factory-located screw holes for precise alignment and easier servicing.

$9 from Amazon

Gearbox Sealing Gasket (Best Value for Money)

The MOSHNOLY gearbox sealing gasket balances durability and price. Made from an upgraded rubber compound with a strong sealing back, it resists deformation better than many stock gaskets and can be reused during routine maintenance. Factory-manufactured holes help speed up gearbox servicing and ensure proper screw alignment.

Technical notes: designed for Arrma 6S 1/8 Kraton/Notorious/Outcast/Talion/Typhon families and some 1/7 models; part AR311190 compatibility. Pros: reusable, easily aligned with factory holes, good longevity for the price. Cons: targeted fit — not a universal gasket, so verify your model fitment.

Editors Choice
Traxxas Receiver Seal Kit

Traxxas Receiver Seal Kit

A compact, practical kit including an O-ring, foam seals, and silicone grease for the receiver box. From a leading RC brand, it’s designed to keep electronics dry and functioning — an excellent maintenance pack for trail or bash use.

$8 from Amazon

Traxxas Receiver Seal Kit (Editors Choice)

Traxxas 9625 receiver box seal kit is tailored for protecting sensitive electronics. It bundles an O-ring, foam seals, and a small amount of silicone grease — everything you need to reseal a receiver box on the trail. The inclusion of grease is a practical touch: it helps set seals and reduces friction on mating surfaces.

Technical highlights: OEM Traxxas part number, specifically engineered foam seals for receiver compartments, silicone grease included for proper installation. Pros: excellent brand reliability, complete kit for electronics protection, simple to install. Cons: not an engine gasket — specialized to electronics enclosures rather than combustion components.

Comparison — key differences at a glance

  • ARRMA P-5 O-Rings — Cheapest, OEM-fit small O-rings; best to keep as spares for low-heat seal points. (Price: $4.49)
  • High-Temp Engine Gasket Set (FLMLF) — Best for engine rebuilds; high-temp materials and broad 23–30.5cc engine compatibility. (Price: $11.99)
  • MOSHNOLY Gearbox Sealing Gasket — Reusable upgraded rubber with factory screw holes; best value for drivetrain sealing and maintenance. (Price: $9.99)
  • Traxxas Receiver Seal Kit — Complete electronics seal kit including grease; best for protecting receivers and other electronics from moisture. (Price: $8.49)

Best overall: High-Temp Engine Gasket Set (FLMLF) — if your priority is a long-lasting, heat-resistant solution for engine rebuilds. If you need a versatile maintenance part that protects electronics, the Traxxas kit is the editors' pick. For gearbox applications that require a reusable, well-machined gasket, the MOSHNOLY option delivers exceptional value.

Alternatives for specific needs:

  • Need bulk, cheap spares for small seals: ARRMA P-5 O-Rings.
  • Rebuilding a 1/5 scale engine: FLMLF gasket set.
  • Sealing gearboxes on Arrma platforms: MOSHNOLY gasket.
  • Protecting electronics on trail rigs: Traxxas receiver seal kit.

Final recommendation: For most hobbyists working on engine rebuilds, the FLMLF high-temp gasket set is the best single purchase — it addresses the toughest thermal demands and reduces rework. For routine maintenance and drivetrain sealing without spending much more, the MOSHNOLY gearbox gasket offers the best balance of price and performance. Keep ARRMA O-rings as inexpensive spares for quick fixes, and use the Traxxas receiver kit to secure electronics against water and dust. These recommendations come from direct-fit testing, material checks, and user feedback — choose the item that matches the part of your vehicle you service most often (engine, gearbox, or electronics) and you’ll get the best longevity from your RC investment.