Volvo shaft seal

[Bluenose]

Hello all, launched again for another year, thank heavens.

Question on the Volvo shaft seal, does it have to be "burped" or vented, even when it has a hose on it that goes to the outside of the boat?

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

I would, just to be sure. It only takes seconds.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I would, just to be sure. It only takes seconds.

I burp mine each year just to make sure. Like Larry said it's easy enough to do.

I also add just a little grease each year.

 

[NYSail]

Give it a squeeze.....

 

[Bluenose]

Absolutely will do both now, thanks!

 

[Mechone]

Yes you must burp it or an air pocket will sit against the seals and burn them out .It also must be greased yearly making sure both seals get grease and it must be Volvo grease as to not make the rubber go hard. Squeeze it into a straw ,flatten straw insert under seal squeeze straw ,flatten pushing grease into seals .The hose is not a vent it draws water in flowing water down to the cutless to keep water flowing over it

 

[Justin_NSA]

What makes it only an annual requirement? What causes the air pockets? High rotation? Hauling it out? How do you know it won't create a bubble soon after your annual squeeze?
My LasDrop Gen II has a vent hose for continuous air pocket prevention.

 

[Mechone]

What makes it only an annual requirement? What causes the air pockets? High rotation? Hauling it out? How do you know it won't create a bubble soon after your annual squeeze?
My LasDrop Gen II has a vent hose for continuous air pocket prevention.

Because Volvo says so once a year or 200 engine hours, and newer Beneteaus have the cutlass in the tube and the hose feed is below the Volvo seal and air cannot get back in as the tube and feed is always under the water line. If you don't burp it air can get stuck between the feed for the cutlass and Volvo seal. Haul;ing out causes the air pocket