RE: Norvel conversion heads
Somewhere I read of early, O-ringed contra-pistons that used silicone O-rings. Perhaps mistakenly assuming that the high heat resistance of silicone was necessary. Viton and even Buna-N O-rings are plenty heat resistant in diesel operation. Perhaps this is what they are using.
Silicone swells in the presence of diesel fuel. That would explain the high maintenance.