pss carbon spray

[dlewis812]

re-posting earlier question. abnormal amount of carbon dust; not lubricating etc??

a big concern so going to most likely taking to marina to be serviced (on mooring). if i were though to try to inspect the problem could anyone give some clear detailed steps to do so (yes, like you were speaking to a child!!).

thanks for the help

 

[Marty A]

as a guess, no water reaching the back of the seal. Or maybe the flange right in front is touching the seal when in gear (might have a gap when there's no pressure from the prop)?

For the first, try burping the seal. For the second, observe when under power.

 

[Sam Salter]

Yes there is a problem - you shouldn't see any dust at all!
My first thoughts are:
- Too much pressure between the two sealing surfaces.
- Running dry.
If it was my shaft seal, I think the first thing I'd do would be to "burp" the seal by pulling the stainless and carbon seal pieces slightly apart to flush out the seal and to be sure there wasn't an air pocket behind the seal.
The hose connected to the carbon part is supposed to do that automatically, I wonder if it is blocked. Might be worth blowing hard down the hose to see if you can flush out any blockage.
sam

 

[seadaddler]

Never

I have never done so in water and when my PSS was leaking I waited to be on the hard to do so which at the time had planned new bottom job.
I think if it needs to be replaced when you start disconnecting things water will enter the boat.
Go to Main sail web site and see his info what is involved like may need to diconnect the shaft and I would not do it in water but some with more experience maybe can at the marina,May just need new O rings but still need to disconnect he shaft and collar,Main sail can show great info on his web site.
Nick

 

[finding41]

I don't think that is dust. It may be dust now but I bet it was wet when it was sprayed there.
I think it means there is a imminent problem. Do you have an automatic bilge?

 

[sailaway78]

When did this start

Has this just started? Did you make any changes recently? That does not look normal, or right. First guess would be that the collar is down too tight. But unless you have recenty changed something, that isnlt likely. There may be a small piece of something hard that has worked itself in there, and is wearing on the carbon. I would certainly get that sucker checked out PDQ.

 

[Ross]

Re: When did this start

A PSS assembly can only be installed when you have access to the inboard end of the shaft. The carbon ring and bellows are clamped to the stern tube. the SS collar is placed on the shaft and the shaft is coupled to the transmission. The collar is brought to the carbon seal until it touches and that point is marked on the shaft. The collar is then pushed against to carbon ring compressing the bellows 5/8 inch. It is then fixed in place with set screws.
I installed mine in 1998 and it has been trouble free.