While a dripless shaft seal may be “dripless,” it is definitely not maintenance free. Bottom line: the author has a dripless shaft seal on his boat. The PSS bellow should be replaced in six year intervals. The SureSeal supports propeller shaft sizes ranging from 1 … There is no bellows to tear or give way. Dripless Shaft Seal Hailed as the best way to a dry bilge! I believe that with regular inspections and changing as eherlihy said it should be fine. A) Three year manufacturer warranty; Has dual injection ports* (for 1-1/8"+) and contains all necessary hardware Protecting Pretty Things – The Bilge Pump, RBAW – Lakebay Marina Purchase Back in Play, An Experience of a Lifetime – The Van Isle 360. Most dripless shaft seal units have a small barb fitting on the graphite flange where a hose can be connected to ensure that water is always present right up to the rotor. A good link from someone who should know: Not all dripless shaft seals use bellows like PSS. Self-aligning shaft seal that combines the benefits of a “dripless” mechanical seal with the bullet proof reliability and performance of a traditional bronze stuffing box. I've just bought a PSS dripless also. I need to repair/replace the leaking PSS prop shaft seal on the Legacy 40 we’re about to purchase. Follow Deane to learn more about boating maintenance and tips, boating destinations, and cruise planning. First, it creates a watertight barrier between the stern tube and the interior of the boat. The goal here is to review the ways dripless shafts fail and offer some preventive maintenance suggestions. Even Dripless Seals can allow water misting, especially in choppy sea conditions as the shafts flex. But, the zinger is always the same. The PSS Shaft Seal is a mechanical face seal. While it’s true dripless shaft seals require less care than a traditional packing gland, nothing on a boat is truly maintenance free. Eventually, it will begin to leak. I cannot imagine why anyone would install a Dripless Shaft seal. Dripless seals are popular because they don’t require adjustment after installation and they continue to keep sea water out even if the drive train is out of alignment, producing a dry bilge and creating a safer, cleaner, more corrosion-resistant and sweeter smelling vessel. From my perspective I can't see a lot of difference as far as risk to the boat goes. Most of the units use what’s called a face-type seal, with flexible bellows attached to the stern tube (or stuffing box collar) that presses a fixed carbon/graphite flange against a rotating stainless-steel rotor which spins with the prop shaft, creating a seal between the rotor and flange. Advocates of dripless shaft seals are quick to point out their benefits over conventional stuffing boxes – no leaks, no flax to replace, no shaft scoring. He has over 45 years of Pacific Northwest boating experience. This is advice that every boat owner with dripless shaft seals should heed. I took a tour of the Catalina facility last week. The second form of fatigue consists of what is known as “compression fatigue,” where the bellows lose its resistance to compression after years of being in a compressed state. JavaScript is disabled. There is no wear on the shaft of the dripless type. If it’s where the bellows attaches to the shaft log or the carbon graphite flange, see if the hose clamps are loose or damaged. This stuffing box creates a seal around a 25mm shaft … It's dripless operation eliminates needless bilge pumping, and wet bilges! Why install somthing on your boat that could fail at any moment and sink your boat? The traditional stuffing box gradually exhibits failure mode as more water gets in as packing wears away. • Dripless operation • Keeps bilge dry • Replaces stuffing box … There are a number of manufacturers of dripless shaft seals and a variety of designs. Follow the directions for installation. Problems associated with the bellows are related to fatigue, mechanical abuse, or improper installation. Dripless shaft seals have become widespread in the past decade and a half, but when a dripless shaft seal fails, the resulting flooding is alarming at the very least, and potentially catastrophic. A new or well-maintained dripless shaft seal will do exactly what the manufacturer claims it will do: provide a vibration tolerant, drip-free stuffing box. Emergency advise needed on a leaking pss dripless shaft seal ! So what, boats are made to get wet inside and out. Never had a blow-out. Although stainless shafting has high tensile strength, it has low abrasion resistance. Stuffing boxes and lip seals can wear away metal. As with any rubber hose below the waterline, it must be inspected regularly for signs of cracks, wear, aging, or chemical deterioration. The bellows perform two functions. For those that have not see it (catalina lover or not), it is interesting - especially when compared to something like Valiant which only put out 8-12 boats/year. PYI recommends inspecting the bellows for cracks, splits tears, and brittleness twice annually and replacing every six years regardless of condition, at which time they also recommend the O-rings and set screws in the stainless steel rotor be replaced as well. Drip-Less = A stuffing box that drips less but still needs to drip … No grease, no mess.Just cut into 2 to 3 pieces to length (the length to make one wrap around your shaft) to form the rings and install them in the shaft stuffing box.Make maybe one adjustment to the packing gland following a short run-in and never tinker with the stuffing box again! In the beginning, there was only water... "The cure for anything is salt water~ sweat, tears, or the sea." Shrink products and more. The stuffing box uses a piece of heavy duty hose to hold the packing gland and there is arguably more torque on that hose from the friction of the packing than from the carbon block sliding on the stainless ring of a dripless type. Exposure to heat, vibration, saltwater and accidental spills of fuel and fluids can take their toll. Our Johnson Heavy-Duty Stuffing Box is well known around the world and it is not uncommon for it to last the life of the vessel. From the fitting, the hose runs either to a place high above the waterline or, in the case of higher speed vessels into the engine’s raw-water cooling system. Traditional bronze stuffing boxes work well in some cases, but they can be troublesome too, or even dangerous; especially in high horsepower applications like sport fishing boats, commercial fishing boats, and Downeast style lobster yachts … Two years ago after having the stuffing box adjusted 3 times in a year and running out of "room" for further adjustment I threw in the towel and had a PYI Inc PSS dripless shaft seal installed in my C30. Inner Diameter = Shaft Size; Outer Diameter = Stern Tube Size (Fig. PBO checks out what’s available The once-ubiquitous stuffing-box stern gland still has much in its favour – it’s simple, tried-and-tested and easy to repair and service. I'm not convinced that there is a big difference either way from a safety perspective but if there were any statistics that compared failures of the two types I'd be interested to see them. Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Cypress Island – Hike One of the San Juan Island’s Last Undeveloped Islands. So, when the bellows finally returns to its natural, relaxed position, a tiny space is left between the flange and rotor. Which is more likely to rip or tear and create a large leak? Your email address will not be published. Drip Free Shaft Seals. The PSS Shaft Seal (stands for Packless Sealing System) is a maintenance-free, 100% dry stuffing box and packing gland replacement for your sailboat or powerboat. Shaft seals replace traditional stuffing boxes by using two polished surfaces, one stationary and one rotating, which form a seal around the prop shaft and don’t leak a drop. If the screws lose their grip, the bellows can slowly push the rotor forward on the prop shaft. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and incorporate them into your routine maintenance schedule. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Take a look for instance at the Lasdrop Gen II dripless shaft seal. A dripless shaft seal will cost between $200 and $1,200, depending on how big your boat is (shaft size and shaft log size), but in general closer to the $200 figure. PYI suggests preventative maintenance. You are getting water in the bilge and you track it down to the propeller shafts stuffing box (also called stern gland). Shop Online! Before You Begin All of the shaft seals evaluated here employ a hose or other mechanism intended to connect to the stern tube. Please be cautious running any traditional stuffing box dripless. My current boat has a drip-less. I believe that jrd22 hit the nails on the head. (Some stuffing boxes with packing will not have water injection.) USCG Licensed OUPV Captain, Former US/Sailing and ASA 101/103/104/105/106/114/118 Instructor - Also ABYC certified in Marine Electrical Systems. The use of dripless shaft seals has become widespread in the past decade, and, unlike traditional stuffing boxes, when a dripless shaft seal (DSS) fails, the resulting flooding is at least alarming and often catastrophic. The material can become brittle with age, and a close inspection might reveal cracks, splits, or tears – problems may not be readily apparent on the surface of the bellows. Dripless not for me. You’ll rarely need to make any adjustments, and the Gore dripless packing will last for years. If your boat cannot handle a little water, somthing is wrong. Significant weakening of the shaft is not common, but once the diameter has been reduced, the shaft will no longer seal against the packing or the lip. Deane is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in recreational boating and the yachting industry. Some dripless shaft seal products use set screws to hold the rotor in place. Dripless shaft seals offer a dry bilge without the drip-per minute of the traditional stern gland. Interesting article Casey. But, the zinger is always the same. Installed my PSS in 1998. Who cares if you have a dry bilge. As with any rubber hose below waterline, the PSS bellows must be inspected on a regular basis for any sign of wear, aging or chemical deterioration. This kit is supplied with a flexible stuffing box, a clamp to secure to the stern tube and a universal sleeve which fits around and protects the prop shaft. My boat came with a dripless shaft seal. While it’s true dripless shaft seals require less care than a traditional packing gland, nothing on a boat is truly maintenance free. ~Isak Denesen. Stuffing boxes … I thought about installing one until a friend whom has one tells me how rapidly they can fail. The big advantage of shaft seals is that they eliminate the need for flax packing and the knuckle-busting experience (for some) of periodic tighening of a stuffing box nut. Posted by Deane Hislop | Sep 27, 2018 | Maintenance | 0 |. However, lip seals do not match face seals in terms of service hours. He makes some good observations about what can go wrong and that maintenance is required. Another issue with a spinning rotor is that the flange and rotor are so well mated that there is a suction effect between them, and the rotor can actually stretch the bellows beyond its relaxed position before the seal is broken. I'm with Catalina on this one. Solved the problem and also the spray/mist that occurs with excessive dripping of the stuffing box. Saved the old one for a spare because it appeared very serviceable. Most stuffing boxes have an adjusting nut which compresses the packing material, controlling the rate of drip. Duramax shaft seal systems are products you can trust, supported by a team of experts to solve problems you might face. The compression created by the flexible bellows hose plays a key role in the stuffing box’s proper, leak-free operation. It is probably cheaper for Catalina to go with the traditional stuffing box then a dripless shaft seal. Another aspect is shaft wear, not a safety issue, but an expense over time from wear at the packing. The result is a seal that's impenetrable to water. Some lubricating grease is also supplied to ensure performance and reduce wear. Some rudder stern glands work the same. In some cases they may leak slightly and initially until broken in, however, this should not last more than a few hours. I've had no problems with it. With the engine running and in neutral, remove the water feed line, cap the seal fitting, and capture the flow in a bucket. A friend almost lost his 44’ sailboat to a dripless seal, and I’ve heard of other problems with the system. IBEX - International Boatbuilder’s Exhibition and Conference Oct 4 - 6, 2016 Tampa, FL Booth 1552 www.ibexshow.com. It was on when I purchased it, otherwise I would keep to the old stuffing box technology. Changed the bellows this spring (2012) as a matter of maintenance during haulout. As there are a couple of areas that could be responsible, the first step is to inspect the seal to determine where the leak originates. PYI - go to homepage Toggle navigation PYI Inc. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Tides Marine SureSeal™ and seriesOne™ Shaft Seals are drip-free, self-aligning propeller shaft seals that are OEM equipment on many well known brands and types of vessels. A forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Dress the hose and secure. Advocates of dripless shaft seals are quick to point out their benefits over conventional stuffing boxes – no leaks, no flax to replace, no shaft scoring. Increase your throttle to ensure flow at all engine speeds. Boat Drive Train, Shaft Packing & Stuffing Boxes. With all the buzz around dripless shaft seals, many boaters are realizing that these so-called “dripless” shaft seals rarely live up to the marketing hype. Not tested it yet but the rubber is quite thick and feels sturdy. During bellows replacement it is recommended the o-rings & set screws in the stainless steel rotor also be replaced. Dripless shaft seals should be dripless, they should not leak. Really enjoyed meeting the folks and was shocked at the systems they have in place there. How often do you change that hose, I'm guessing most people have never changed it or even thought about the torque put on it. My 36’ sailboat has a traditional stuffing box with Goretex packing that has served us fine. Dripless = A stuffing box that has zero drips. The injected water serves two purposes: It keeps the rotating shaft cool and provides lubrication. Dripless Vs. Drip-Less. Second, it acts as a spring, pushing the flange against the rotor. The PSS Shaft Seal (stands for Packless Sealing System) is a maintenance-free, 100% dry stuffing box and packing gland replacement for your sailboat or powerboat. For a proper inspection, at the very least, the rotor should be moved a few inches out of the way so that it can relax and so that stretching and twisting can reveal any cracks or splitting of the material. As a general rule, if the shaft is removed, new bellows should be installed. The sealing surface is created between the flat surfaces of the rotating stainless-steel rotor and the stationary carbon flange. Volvo Penta Stuffing box lip seals provide a safe and proven answer to providing a dripless shaft seal They are easy to fit and require minimal maintenance. Bellows fatigue can occur as the bellows material deteriorates over time. An inboard shaft seal, also known as a "stuffing box," allows the propeller shaft to exit the boat and rotate, all while keeping water on the outside of the boat.While drive shaft seals appear inconsequential, they're a crucial part of a boat's underwater hardware and drivetrain system. Once again the sleazy marketing mavens have muddied the waters and done their best to mislead the average boater. Are there any statistics supporting the assertion that a traditional stuffing box is safer than a dripless shaft seal (DSS)? Don't deviate for any reason. A range of alternative dripless stuffing boxes are available. Dripless Shaft Seals work great if the engine is perfectly aligned, the shaft is perfectly straight, the props are balanced and the seals are adjusted properly. Once the bellows are relaxed, the mechanical seal between the rotor and flange is lost, and sea water can flow into the bilge. The Replacement of Traditional Stuffing Boxes With Cleaner, Dripless Shaft Systems. Shop online for Lasdrop seals, Trident Marine Hose, Dr. Another potential source of failure is where the water is injected into the stuffing box or dripless seal. Menu Simply put, our heavy duty self-aligning shaft seals are the safest and must dependable shaft sealing device on the market. [Archive] - Boat Repair Forum, Classifieds & Photo Gallery, Nautical Specialties manufacturer of Lasdrop Shaft-Seals, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. (New packing is < $20) If the Dripless Shaft Seal rubber bellows ever cracks, rips or otherwise fails you may need a haul out and a new bellows. I've had both. The stuffing box houses a seal which the prop shaft passes through. Too many boaters have a “set it and forget it” attitude about their shaft seals and they don’t realize the consequences of ignoring an aging or damaged unit on their vessel. This is more prominent on vessels with longer shafts. According to one manufacturer’s instructions, the setscrews are never to be reused, and a new set of screws should be used each time the rotor is installed. It happens more often than you might think. The PSS Shaft Seal is the number one selling marine mechanical seal worldwide and is installed as standard equipment by many of the worlds most reputable boat builders / yards. Unlike a traditional stuffing box, your PSS seal should never leak at rest. Dripless Shaft Seal Hailed as the best way to a dry bilge! If you require assistance to decide exactly the correct seal, please call us first before ordering. Any time you do some serious ocean sailing your bilge will get water in it. Click here to view the Dripless Shaft Seals Value Guide. Flow should be about one gallon per minute at engine idle. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! It's dripless operation eliminates needless bilge pumping, and wet bilges! The cooling water intake hose should be pulled semiannually and checked to ensure seawater is flowing unimpeded. If it does, something is wrong. Less wear & tear on the shaft is a major positive attribute of a dripless system. The drivetrain starts at the transmission and includes everything through the end of the propeller shaft – including couplings, drive plates, the marine stuffing box and shaft packing, or marine shaft seal, the flex couplings, the cutless bearing and more. Your email address will not be published. I plan to reinforce the stainless steel ring that keeps the compression on with perhaps a spare anode to prevent any possible slip. Nautical Specialties Lasdrop Shaft-Seals. Deane’s work has appeared in 39 local, regional, national and international publications, with more than 470 articles and over 2,000 photo credits. My mast is keel stepped too, and the bilge. Upgrading from a traditional stuffing box, or shaft seal, to a more modern dripless shaft seal will keep the bilge of your boat dry and odor-free. The Lasdrop Gen II Dripless Shaft Seal offers exclusive features that make it the premier dripless shaft seal on the market.. Lasdrop's Gen II Dripless Shaft Seal offers a unique ball-bearing drive system that allows the seal ring to "float" and remain in constant contact with the carbon graphite seal surface. This is a small price to pay to avoid the drip, drip, drip of an old-fashioned stuffing box and the resultant mold and … The key to preventing setscrew and rotor movement problems is to place a hose clamp on the prop shaft up against the forward face of the rotor, so that even if the rotor works loose, the hose clamp will prevent the rotor from moving away from the flange. Dripless types recommend that the bellows (which is very thick and heavy duty) be changed every 8-10 years IIRC and that includes the hose clamps, and I just can't see one failing in that short amount of time. As a result of compression fatigue, the pressure between the rotor and flange will be reduced, which diminish the mechanical seal.
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