SO36 Stern Gland

[pierre7]

Hi everyone,

I have a SO36' 1999 and am wondering if anyone would mind explaining how to burp the stern gland or point me in the right direction towards online instructions please? Thanks. Pierre.

[MalcolmP]

Hi Pierre

You simply need to put you hand around the unit and lightly squeeze the rubber gland close to the lips next to where the shaft emerges

You should then hear air emitted followed by water. - sensible to put a sponge below to stop water running around etc

This must be done every time the boat dries out as the gland is water lubricated. I have also found that some air builds back up quickly when in the water after running the engine, but as there is water in the gland I presume the small amount of air is not a problem - I tend to expel it though whenever I check the oil level etc

cheers

Malcolm

[pierre7]

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks very much for your helpful reply.

Clearly then, this needs to be done when it goes back in the water?

Next dopey question: Does that mean no grease is required as it's water lubricated(?)

Many thanks again.

Regards,

Pierre.

[MalcolmP]

Hi Pierre

Not a dopey question at all - there seems to be differing views on this subject, I searched the forum as I recollect this had come up before - the old thread is at:

jeanneau.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=eq&action=display&thread=500&page=1

On our 39i I have not put in any grease at all and I think that unless you have any drips probably the risk of damaging the lips by putting in grease either by syringe or using the Volvo sachet (if they are still available) is not worth the risk

Others may have other comments?

Malcolm

[reverie]

Hello all,

Following Volvo's instructions, I just greased (using Volvo grease) the Volvo shaft seal in my 2004 SO35 a couple of days ago. The boat gets launched for the summer on May 15.

I picked up a great technique for doing this from another forum (I can't recall which one): use a drinking straw similar to one you can find at McDonald's. Fill the straw with the requisite ~1ml of grease. Squeeze the end of the straw flat and insert into the shaft seal (Just pinch the shaft seal like you would when you burp it, and the flattened straw slides right in with no problems). Then force the grease out of the straw by sliding your finger along the straw as you withdraw it from the seal. Works like a charm. Then a couple of spins of the shaft to work the grease around the seal, and I'm all set for another season.

The whole procedure takes about 5 minutes max.

Volvo also recommends replacing the seal every 5 years - but I have no intention of doing that. I plan to let it go for at least 10 years, or until it begins to drip. Based on threads on other forums, sounds like lots of folks have had their seal in place for well over 10 years with no problem - and in many instances with no grease!