Leaking Volvo Stern Gland Shaft Seal/Yanmar 3YM30/Beneteau Oceanis 37

[Rob Heath]

I have a Volvo Penta Stern Gland seal on my Beneteau Oceanis 37, with a 25mm shaft and 43mm stern tube. The boat is a 2009 model, and the engine has around 800 hours.
The original seal did not leak, but was getting rather old, so I replaced it two years ago. After replacing it we had a slight leak when the engine was running. Despite being extremely careful with the lip seals during the process the only thing I could think was I had damaged them during the process, so this year I replaced it again (being very careful with the lip seals, following the manual etc.). There was no evidence (that I could see) on the shaft.
And again we have a slight leak when the engine in running...see the video...
Any ideas would be much appreciated please.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Is it possible that the cutlass bearing has gotten clogged, either with fouling from outside or grease from the inside? That would force water from the cooling hose to leak in rather than out the cutlass grooves, and could explain why it’s an issue when running.

 

[Rob Heath]

Is it possible that the cutlass bearing has gotten clogged, either with fouling from outside or grease from the inside? That would force water from the cooling hose to leak in rather than out the cutlass grooves, and could explain why it’s an issue when running.

Thanks David,
We replaced the cutlass bearing at the same time, and it's clear.

 

[senang]

Video will not play for me. I have installed the Volvo lipseal a couple of years ago and are absolutely satisfied with it. There are I think only 2 possible causes that I ree. 1. Shaft is not sufficient round and smooth at the lip seal contact point. 2. The seal is not the correct dimension, Volvo is producing metric and imperial dimension seals and some dimensions are close put not perfect for the shaft.

 

[Tally Ho]

Do you have much vibration in the shaft? (I can’t play the video on my iPad either).

just curious if a seal like that could vibrate enough (engine idling, etc) to cause it to leak.


Greg

 

[Davidasailor26]

From what I could see in the video there was a little vibration, but not really any worse than mine, and mine is dry.

 

[Tally Ho]

I was able to play the vide on my laptop...I agree, not much vibration.

 

[BigEasy]

I have a Volvo Penta Stern Gland seal on my Beneteau Oceanis 37
The original seal did not leak, but was getting rather old, so I replaced it two years ago. After replacing it we had a slight leak when the engine was running.
Any ideas would be much appreciated please.

Vibration doesn't appear to be excessive.
Was the shaft scored at the interface of the seal?
Did you add Volvo grease to the interior of the seal?
Finally, did you "burp" the seal after getting back into the water?
Please keep us apprised of your findings.

 

[DougM]

It might not be the seal that’s the source. I was getting a very slight accumulation of water around the area of the shaft log. I noticed while prepping for spring launch that the caulking around the metal cutlass bearing sleeve at the entry point to the skeg had eroded. I cleaned out the old caulking, and re caulked. So far no leakage.
Another note, don’t forget to inject grease into the seal where it joins the shaft.

 

[Rob Heath]

Thanks for the ideas...it has been burped and greased, and it isn't the caulking.
Has anyone any experience of an out of balance prop, prop shaft, or coupling, causing this sort of problem?