How to Identify the Right Char-Lynn Seal Kit for Your Hydraulic Motor

A leaking Char-Lynn motor usually needs one thing: the correct seal kit. But Char-Lynn (Eaton) builds dozens of motor series, and installing the wrong seal kit means repeating the whole teardown. This guide walks you through identifying the exact Char-Lynn seal kit your hydraulic motor needs — using the motor series, part number, and seal material — so your rebuild is leak-free the first time.

Step 1: Identify your Char-Lynn motor series

Seal kits are matched to motor families, so start by identifying the series. The most common Char-Lynn / Eaton motor series include:

  • H Series (101, 103, 104) – the classic general-purpose geroler motors.
  • S Series – spool-valve motors, commonly with 2-bolt or 4-bolt mounting.
  • 2000, 4000, 6000 Series – higher displacement / torque ranges.
  • T, TG, TF Series – disc-valve motors for heavy-duty use.

The series is encoded in the motor's part number and stamped on the housing. If you already know your series, you can jump straight to our hydraulic seal kits collection.

Step 2: Read the motor part number

Char-Lynn motors carry an 8-digit part number such as 101-1001-009. The leading digits identify the series and displacement, and the trailing three digits often distinguish specific builds — including differences that affect which seal kit fits. Record the full number from the nameplate or housing.

Step 3: Match the seal kit to the motor

A Char-Lynn seal kit contains the shaft seal, housing O-rings, and internal seals specific to that motor family. To choose correctly, confirm:

  • Motor series – H, S, 2000/4000/6000, or T-series.
  • Shaft seal size – varies by displacement and shaft type.
  • Mounting style – 2-bolt vs 4-bolt affects some kits.
  • Seal material – Buna-N (standard) or Viton/FKM for high-temperature or aggressive fluids.

Step 4: Choose the right seal material

Most Char-Lynn motors ship with Buna-N (Nitrile) seals, which handle standard hydraulic oil and typical operating temperatures. If your motor runs hot, or uses phosphate-ester or other aggressive fluids, choose a Viton (FKM) kit instead. Using the wrong material is one of the most common causes of a repeat leak.

What if the tag is missing?

If your motor has no readable tag, you can still identify the correct seal kit by measuring the shaft diameter, counting the mounting bolts, and noting the port configuration and overall dimensions. Send us those measurements and photos and we'll match the kit for you.

Find your Char-Lynn seal kit at RestoPower

We stock OEM-equivalent seal kits for Char-Lynn and Eaton orbital motors, backed by a 2-year warranty. Browse our Char-Lynn / Eaton orbital motors, or browse all hydraulic parts. Can't find your kit? Request a same-day quote and we'll help you identify it. You can also download Char-Lynn & Eaton catalogs and rebuild guides for exploded views and seal data.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need a Buna-N or Viton seal kit?
Buna-N covers standard hydraulic oil and normal temperatures. Choose Viton (FKM) for high heat or aggressive fluids like phosphate esters.

Will one Char-Lynn seal kit fit all H-series motors?
Not always. Shaft size and mounting can differ within a series, so confirm the full part number and shaft seal size before ordering.

Can you identify my seal kit from a photo?
Often, yes. Clear photos of the motor plus shaft, port, and mounting measurements let us match the correct kit even without a tag.