Im considering replacing my stuffing box. The two choices seem to be PSS or TidesMarine. Any comments? Thanks Ed Fluss
- Status
PSS
I have use the PSS seal on my two Hunters for a total of 13 + years with no problems. I would recommend this product to anyone.
I have use the PSS seal on my two Hunters for a total of 13 + years with no problems. I would recommend this product to anyone.
PSS
I have the PSS and must say it is great not having to change the packing. But, my boat came with it and would not switch if it didn't. Frankly, if it fails you are most likely going to sink. Check out the archives, should be plenty of info there. Also, check out the PSS web site. Good luck.
I have the PSS and must say it is great not having to change the packing. But, my boat came with it and would not switch if it didn't. Frankly, if it fails you are most likely going to sink. Check out the archives, should be plenty of info there. Also, check out the PSS web site. Good luck.
RE:Sinking
I have seen the boot fail. It turned out a tool was left in the bay where the shaft and seal were and it knicked the boot. By the end of the season the owner noticed the boot had a pretty bad hole and the day i was out it leaked severely. We wrapped a neoprene/nylon wetsuit around the shaft and used two belts to wrap it tight. It stemed the link well while sailed toward the towboat that met us almost half way back. Thank you for the warning and advise. I suppose the leak was small enough that time as I can see how it cud be very catastrophic. Ed
I have seen the boot fail. It turned out a tool was left in the bay where the shaft and seal were and it knicked the boot. By the end of the season the owner noticed the boot had a pretty bad hole and the day i was out it leaked severely. We wrapped a neoprene/nylon wetsuit around the shaft and used two belts to wrap it tight. It stemed the link well while sailed toward the towboat that met us almost half way back. Thank you for the warning and advise. I suppose the leak was small enough that time as I can see how it cud be very catastrophic. Ed
I know you are looking at Mechanical Seals
If you are looking for an interim solution to weeping stuffing box, try repacking with the Gore PTFE Flax. http://www.emarineinc.com/products/gfopacking/packing.html This stuff is cheap, easy & foolproof -- in my boat 5 years and 600 engine hours and never leaked Just replaced another freinds boat with this stuff this spring and it was great -- not one drop. (ps. I never heard of TidesMarine -- I had a PSS on my old boat -- it worked ok -- just don't ask about the time the stainless steel collar shimmyed up the shaft
)
If you are looking for an interim solution to weeping stuffing box, try repacking with the Gore PTFE Flax. http://www.emarineinc.com/products/gfopacking/packing.html This stuff is cheap, easy & foolproof -- in my boat 5 years and 600 engine hours and never leaked Just replaced another freinds boat with this stuff this spring and it was great -- not one drop. (ps. I never heard of TidesMarine -- I had a PSS on my old boat -- it worked ok -- just don't ask about the time the stainless steel collar shimmyed up the shaft
)Like the dripless
I had a dripless put in about 2 years ago and so far no problem. With the old packing I did have trouble getting it right where it dripped a little when in use and stopped when the shaft wasn't turning. Once it was too loose and fortunately I noticed the bilge pump running more than usual and tightened it some. That said if the unit should fail there would be a lot of water comimg into the boat. I judge this by the amount of water that comes in when I burp the system to make sure that ther is no water trapped which is supposed to cause overheating. Unless something horrible happens I never plan to go back to a conventional system as it is a pain in the A$$ to adjust.
I had a dripless put in about 2 years ago and so far no problem. With the old packing I did have trouble getting it right where it dripped a little when in use and stopped when the shaft wasn't turning. Once it was too loose and fortunately I noticed the bilge pump running more than usual and tightened it some. That said if the unit should fail there would be a lot of water comimg into the boat. I judge this by the amount of water that comes in when I burp the system to make sure that ther is no water trapped which is supposed to cause overheating. Unless something horrible happens I never plan to go back to a conventional system as it is a pain in the A$$ to adjust.
Another Vote For Gore-Tex
Replaced my packing in the water in about 15 min. for about $15.00. Jeff
Replaced my packing in the water in about 15 min. for about $15.00. Jeff
Tom from "bham"
Just an FYI -- with "traditional" Flax packing it can drip and sometimes (as you said) be " a pain in the A$$ to adjust". But with the "Gore" PTFE Flax I never have to adjust it. Once its set in the spring it never drips and I am good to go
Just an FYI -- with "traditional" Flax packing it can drip and sometimes (as you said) be " a pain in the A$$ to adjust". But with the "Gore" PTFE Flax I never have to adjust it. Once its set in the spring it never drips and I am good to go
Packing?
I see you're not getting any (many?) answers to the original question. I don't like the idea of a lip seal device like the Tides Marine because the seal is between a rubber lip and the rotating shaft. The shaft has to be perfectly smooth, and the seal has to be water cooled from a pressurized source (engine fresh water system). Also there is wear involved to the point that the seal lip needs to be replaced periodically. That being said, I have 6 years on a non-water injected PSS seal with no problem at all. No wear, and the boot is in great shape. This design doesn't have the disadvantages of installation and maintenance of a lip seal device as mentioned above.
I see you're not getting any (many?) answers to the original question. I don't like the idea of a lip seal device like the Tides Marine because the seal is between a rubber lip and the rotating shaft. The shaft has to be perfectly smooth, and the seal has to be water cooled from a pressurized source (engine fresh water system). Also there is wear involved to the point that the seal lip needs to be replaced periodically. That being said, I have 6 years on a non-water injected PSS seal with no problem at all. No wear, and the boot is in great shape. This design doesn't have the disadvantages of installation and maintenance of a lip seal device as mentioned above.
In the Water?
Is it possible to change the packing while in the water? I had hoped to put something like the GFO Dripless Flax before I splashed my boat but have not. Is it still possible to do once in the water? How would I stop my boat from sinking once I get the old packing off. Jeff mentioned doing in water in 15 minutes is why I ask. Thanks
Is it possible to change the packing while in the water? I had hoped to put something like the GFO Dripless Flax before I splashed my boat but have not. Is it still possible to do once in the water? How would I stop my boat from sinking once I get the old packing off. Jeff mentioned doing in water in 15 minutes is why I ask. Thanks
In water repack?
(Jeff)- How did you repack while in the water? It appears that you'd get alot of H2O the minute you remove the packing gland. What size wrenches are used? Mine is dripping about once every two seconds. I plan on tightening one flat and check results. Based on your feedback I'll consider repacking the whole thing with GFO instead of chasing it. Thanks, Al
(Jeff)- How did you repack while in the water? It appears that you'd get alot of H2O the minute you remove the packing gland. What size wrenches are used? Mine is dripping about once every two seconds. I plan on tightening one flat and check results. Based on your feedback I'll consider repacking the whole thing with GFO instead of chasing it. Thanks, Al
Thanks for the direct answer-Im going with PSS
Hi Thank you to all for your responses- Im going with the PSS
Hi Thank you to all for your responses- Im going with the PSS
- Status