URGENT Shaft seal measurement

[joker64]

Hello, I bought a SO 44, 1993 this year. It has recently developed a leak at the shaft seal. It is approximately 3 drips per second. The bilge pump is taking care of the problem for now, but as I intend to put in on the hard, I will fix the problem as well.

However, I need help in identifying what type of shaft seal I have, and any recommendations for a solution.

I tried to upload a photo showing the seal, but it wouldn't upload for some reason. It has a rubber cover over the whole seal, with two tightening bands over the end near the hull (away from the engine). A friend is suggesting that it is a volvo.


Thanks

[joker64]

Ok, maybe this pic upload worked.

[rm]

Looks like it could be a Volvo shaft seal although the clamp appears different.

This web reference at Volvo Penta shows a picture of their seal, which might help you decide.

www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Penta/Parts%20brochures/Rubber%20Stuffing%20Box%20%28Eng%29.pdf

[MalcolmP]

Yes a Volvo seal

It looks very old, the white substance (old sealant or salt build up?) looks worrying

The seals should be changed at least every 5 years and be regularly burped to ensure water lubrication

Replacement is straightforward, providing the plastic former is used to protect the lips seals from rough edges on the prop shaft (eg the keyway)

Malcolm

[sailbleu]

Not to tap myself on the shoulder , by no means , but have a look on the hints and tips section. The cutless bearing multitool gives you a description on how to replace the seal.

www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/Cutlessbearingtool.html

Good luck

[joker64]

Thanks all. I will check out the links. The forum has proven really, really helpful

[reverie]

Malcolm,

Just picking up on your comment on the necessity of replacing the Volvo shaft seal every 5 years.

I appreciate that Volvo indeed recommends doing so every 5 years , but I wonder if this is merely to limit their liability - as well as sell more shaft seals?

I've read other posts on on other sites on this topic (just do a quick google search on "Volvo shaft seal" to find a few). Many folks seem to be happy to go 10+ years without a change. Mine has now seen 6 seasons in fresh water (and our Canadian season is short, and the boat is on the hard for 6 months per year). I'm thinking of going another 3 or 4 years before doing the work and replacing it. At the end of this season, my shaft seal looked like new and did not leak a drop - although the engine only has ~430 hours on it.

Separately, we're also supposed to grease the Volvo seal once a year with 1 ml of Volvo grease. This summer I went to the dealer in Toronto to buy a tube. It was the first one he'd sold this year. I wonder how many folks lubricate theirs each season.

Btw, I read an interesting tip on how to best insert the grease: Go to McDonald's to take one of their straws. Put the grease in one end, then flatten the end. Pinch the shaft seal (as though you were burping it). Insert the flattened end of the straw containing the grease, and squeeze in the grease. I'll be trying this next weekend, now that the boat has been lifted out for the season. Sounds like going to McDonald's is the hardest part of this procedure ;D

Would love to hear other thoughts/experiences on the longevity of the Volvo seal. I'd like to know sooner than later if I'm way off base on my 10 year replacement plan.

John
Reverie - 2004 SO 35

[sailbleu]

What people tend to forget is that you not only wear the seal down by using the engine. Also if you leave the propellor freewheeling (as I do, and what is recommended in my manual) the seal degrades.
So I guess when the it starts dripping, it's time for an overhaul , unless you have some issues with the propellor and/or cutless bearing and need to take it off. In that case a seal replacement is advisable on the condition that it's overdue according the volvo specifications.
Although of course you dont need to take off the propellor/cutless bearing to change the seal. But it's more reassuring knowing that the axis and everything involved is renewed.

[rxc]

I had/have this seal on my 43DS, and had to replace it this past spring when it sprang<g> a similarly-sized leak. I had lubricated it regularly with the official Volvo blue grease, but this time the lube process just accelerated the leak. I would have preferred to install a PYI seal, and will make sure I have one available in the future, but the timing was bad. So now I have a new one. About 700 hours on the engine/shaft.

Lots of people here in Europe say that this is a good seal, and I have read of good experiences after 10 and 15 years with the same seal, but when it leaks, it is time to replace it. It seals by the action of two rubber "feathers" inside the rubber box. The feathers are pressurized from the seawater side, but need grease to lubricate them.

If you have the time to do it right, I would recommend a PYI - had one on a previous boat and it was fantastic.

[Admiral]

I had a Volvo seal for a season or two but became a bit worried when a friend (same boat) had a problem with his overheating because it had not been burped. The shaft and coupling were too hot to touch! Not wishing to have a similar problem even though I would regularly burp our seal, I replaced it with a new Tides Marine seal incorporating water injection. Now I do not have the worry of the seal overheating and failing. The water injection part is straightforward as one can take the discharge from the Vetus siphon break afer taking out the small rubber device inside.
Hope this helps.
Admiral

[joker64]

Thanks for all the replies. I am putting it on the hard in a another week for the winter. So, I will have all winter to replace the shaft seal, and believe that I will go for the PSS. It is a shame that in the EU I get a quote for 278 Euros, and in the US 191 USD. Oh well, gotta go to the US anyway.

[manlyp]

I replaced mine (SO 45.2) six months ago with a new Volvo seal. It doesn't drip at all now and cost less than £100.

[davidc]

I looked at changing the seal on my SO29.2 last year as it was 10 years old.
The Jeanneau agent in Dublin asked if it was damaged or leaking.
When I said no, that I was changing it due to age- he said not to bother and that he hardly sold any over the years!
I check it regularly and it hasn't leaked yet.
Am I tempting fate?

[ianqv]

Hi All,

I replaced my seal today!!
Very easy to do and cost 75 GBP for my S/O 37.

Don't forget to burp them, esp if you have just relaunched or have dried out.
Grease them far more than what is advised.

By the way, I changed mine whilst afloat in the marina!!
No more scary than putting the log impellor in, but just make sure you are all prepared if you attempt this whilst still in the water. and extra pairs of hands would defo be of help!!

Regards

Ian

[joker64]

URGENT!!!

Hey guys, I am heading to the US in a few days, and I intend to buy a new drip-less seal.

I was at the boat last month, as it is several hours away, and took the measurements. Unfortunately, I failed to note that I needed an additional measurement. I missed the stern tube diameter.

To repeat the boat is a 1993 Sun Odyssey 44. This is a direct descendant of the Sun Magic 44. If there is any way that someone can urgently get me this measurement, it would be a BIG help.

Thanks to all.

[ianqv]

I done my seal a couple of months back....
The shaft measured 25mm (but I have an S/O 37).

I also replaced my seal whilst afloat! (not for the faint hearted!!!).

Regards

Ian