An oilless air motor assembly and method useable for driving hydraulic
pumps and the like. The air motor assembly comprises a slide valve that
moved back and forth relative to a valve sleeve situated about the slide
valve. A low friction or lubricious dry seal member is disposed between
the slide valve and the valve sleeve, thereby eliminating the need for
added oil or lubricant and additionally avoiding the need for precise
machining and matching (e.g., honing and lapping) of the slide valve and
valve sleeve. Also provided is a kit for converting a previously
manufactured air motor assembly that requires oil or added lubricant to
an oilless air motor assembly. Such kit comprises the slide valve, valve
sleeve and dry seal member as well as other optional parts associated
with those elements.