The effect of phase change on load support is studied analytically for parallel and tapered face seals. An adiabatic model for low Reynolds number flow is considered. The descriptive fluid equations are integrated numerically to give opening force due to fluid film pressure. Loci of steady-state solutions are plotted for water to give curves of load support as a function of film thickness. A quasi-steady transient analysis is made for axial excursions of the seal rings. The general conclusions are: