I have a SureSeal dripless prop shaft seal and it has just started to leak a bit when the engine is idling and there is a bit more engine vibration. Thankfully it's fine when the engine is in gear or off but obviously want to sort it out before either of those become a problem! It is well under the guaranteed engine hours but it's probably about 20 years old and I think the lip seal was last changed about four or five years ago which is well over the 2 year guarantee. It looks like an older model as the units on the tides marine website at the moment look a bit different. http://www.tidesmarine.com.au/product.php?id=shaft
I'm thinking I will just replace it with the updated version of the same unit but thought I'd consult the brains trust here on whether there are any other things people would recommend first. Anyone got any advice on an improved replacement?
I lubricate mine, rubber grease or similar, may be vaseline will do.
Tightening the clamps just a very little bit after lubricating it might stop the dribble.
Select to expand quotesirgallivant said..
I lubricate mine, rubber grease or similar, may be vaseline will do.
Tightening the clamps just a very little bit after lubricating it might stop the dribble.
..and if that doesn't work, maybe talk to a Urologist.......
Yeah, I'll definitely need one of those if the leak gets any worse next time I'm out!
And thankyou sir, everything seems pretty tight, have tried rotating and reseating as per manufacturers advice but didn't seem to help. I think the seal is definitely going and given the importance of the part and the fact that I'll still have to back the shaft out even just to replace the seal I figure I might as well replace the whole thing while it's off for peace of mind.
Select to expand quoteFuturecruiser said..
Anyone got any advice on an improved replacement?
Yes! A conventional "Walker's Gland Seal".
This might seem primitive but they work. If you burnt out the packing and you are in a remote place, you could grease up some rag and stuff it with that and it will get you home.
"Dripless Seals" were originally designed for pumps in an industrial application and then somebody realized they could be sold to people with boats for more money. So before you buy a new dripless seal from a chandlers, see what you can buy from a pump or irrigation shop.
When dripless seals fail completely, there is no fixing them. They just gush water in.
But I am "old school". If your dripless seal has a two year guarantee, replace it every two years.
I put a dripless seal on the Santana and conferred with the forum before I did so. I think the best
comment someone came up with was 'treat it like a consumable and change it every ten years'.
Yep, that'll do me. So change it for peace of mind. It's not that expensive.
Tupperware is the answer ..........
Everybody knows why the walrus went to the Tupperware party !!!
He was after a tight seal !!
