A reciprocating cylinder seal assembly has an elastomeric seal with a radially inwardly directed oil sealing lip and a radially inwardly directed gas sealing lip, wherein both lips are in elastomeric-to-metal sealing contact with a reciprocating engine liner. The assembly further has a U-shaped seal retainer that is attached to the elastomeric seal, where the U-shaped seal retainer is placed in direct intimate contact with a cylindrical engine housing. The U-shaped seal retainer and a reciprocating engine housing may be separated by and be in contact with a major portion of a J-shaped gas shield with a hook portion that is located between the oil sealing lip and a manifold port, where the hook portion of the J-shaped gas shield has a metal backer ring embedded in it.

A reciprocating cylinder seal assembly has an elastomeric seal with a radially inwardly directed oil sealing lip and a radially inwardly directed gas sealing lip, wherein both lips are in elastomeric-to-metal sealing contact with a reciprocating engine liner. The assembly further has a U-shaped seal retainer that is attached to the elastomeric seal, where the U-shaped seal retainer is placed in direct intimate contact with a cylindrical engine housing. The U-shaped seal retainer and a reciprocating engine housing may be separated by and be in contact with a major portion of a J-shaped gas shield with a hook portion that is located between the oil sealing lip and a manifold port, where the hook portion of the J-shaped gas shield has a metal backer ring embedded in it.