lubricating shaft on 40' Oceanis

[Captpete12]

Tried to lubricate under the rubber sleeve on the shaft today but had some problems. i have short arms and an old body that does not like tight places (I know, i should not have a boat). That being said, once I was able to reach the rubber sleeve there was no way it was going to give enough to get any grease under or into it. Perhaps I should wait until a warmer day and after the shaft has been turning awhile? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Capt. Pete

 

[Captn TJ]

Capt Pete

I assume you're trying to grease a Volvo shaft seal. There is a small (red) split collar that is inserted into the seal. That allows sufficient space to grease it - then just remove. Don't forget to 'burp' the seal. If you can't find yours check around the harbor with other B boats they will have one you can borrow. BTW I keep mine adjacent to the seal so I don't lose it.

 

[Captpete12]

Thanks, TJ, I think I will contact the dealer and order one for myself. I have very low hours on the engine so do not think there is a rush.

Peter

 

[MI248]

I have the same boat. I use an ordinary soda straw as the tool. McDonald's work, Starbuck's are better. Fill the straw with the volvo grease, flatten one end of the straw. Insert it and, using 2 fingers, squeeze the grease under the seal. Don't insert the straw too far, otherwise you will be adding the grease beyond the area intended for lubrication. If you google maybe "volvo prop shaft seal" you should come up with a cross section diagram of the seal that gives you an idea where to insert the straw.

Good luck.

 

[Captpete12]

I tried that yesterday as I saw your earlier post about the straw - that seal is so hard I could not get any space between the seal and the shaft. Nothing about boats is easy!

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Capt Pete

I assume you're trying to grease a Volvo shaft seal. There is a small (red) split collar that is inserted into the seal. That allows sufficient space to grease it - then just remove. Don't forget to 'burp' the seal. If you can't find yours check around the harbor with other B boats they will have one you can borrow. BTW I keep mine adjacent to the seal so I don't lose it.

Are you sure the red collar allows space for greasing? I don't quite remember but I have a feeling it doesn't. It's purpose is more to prevent damaging the seal when sliding up and down the shaft.

 

[Gunni]

I tried that yesterday as I saw your earlier post about the straw - that seal is so hard I could not get any space between the seal and the shaft. Nothing about boats is easy!

Not all shaft seals require grease. Read your manual.

 

[Captn TJ]

Are you sure the red collar allows space for greasing? I don't quite remember but I have a feeling it doesn't. It's purpose is more to prevent damaging the seal when sliding up and down the shaft.

That's the way the mechanic showed me how to grease - inserted slightly then squeeze grease into the split opening.

 

[Lee Hadjiosif]

From my experience, the Volvo seal is not a true dripless, or maybe I just had a bad seal when I bough my boat 10 years old. When I hauled out I replaced it with a PSS dripless shaft seal and my bilge is completely dry. Tough to put on though because room is very limited between the transmission flange and the shaft log. Oh...and that hose that comes off the log for water flow is a disaster waiting to happen. I happened to lightly bump it while I was putting on the new seal and it snapped right off. Luckily I was not in the water when it happened. Anyway, I epoxied the hole shut and I connected the little hose to the PSS nipple so it cools the PSS seal as well as the cutless bearing.
Lee
S/V Adagio