What's this I see?

[dj2210]

While doing some (first) maintenance on my C30 and took some pictures. I was surprised to see the stuffing box appears to be a PSS unit. I don't see a fitting and hose like on the ones listed on their website. Here is a picture. Can anyone with experience give me any insight. I am getting some drip while the engine is running but dry at rest.

 

[Dan Hill]

Mine looks identicle. Earlier versions and ones designed for low speed operation were not equipped with the vent hose. Mine its bone dry all the time. You may need to adjust the rotor closer to the bellows or replace the rotor orings, depending where the drip is coming from.

Dan

 

[dj2210]

Great- thanks WB I will have to figure out where the drip is.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

DJ,

I'm on my second PSS. The newer one has the vent, no matter your's will work fine.

The compression of the collar is to be pushed 3/4" back from a neutral starting position. Here's a link to the instructions:
http://www.shaftseal.com/about/installation_instructions

I have never trusted set screws especially in a compression design as this. I did write a comment to PSS suggesting they should include something like the following in their kits.

I had my collar slip one time and noticed a water drip while motoring. I reset the collar to the 3/4" compression, but for a safety factor I did something simple.

I took a tight measurement between the collar face and the coupling flange hub. I took 1" PVC sch. 40 (thick wall) pipe and cut it to length. I then cut the pipe lengthwise to make two halves. I slipped these on the shaft and secured them with two 316 SS hose clamps, not the cheap clamped/spot welded types.

Now, even if the set screws loosen or want to slip, the PVC will hold the compression. Never worry about it again.

ps: I never heard any reply from the PSS folks, and that was alittle dissappointing......

CR

 

[dj2210]

CR- thats a good idea with the pvc. So if I loosen the set screws so the SS collar slides to it's resting spot (neutral position) and compress it 3/4", it should not drip anymore? In theory anyway.
Doug

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Doug,

If in the water, there is one thng I would suggest. I am a diver (so I do alot of my work underwater) & my boat is in salt water. However, I have a scuba service for my bottom cleaning (keeping this in mind if you are in a wet slip but don't dive).

To make your adjustment go smoothly, I would suggest for someone to take a rag, silly putty or whatever and plug up where the shaft enters the boat (underwater).

If working myself, I take a rag, attach a fishing snap shackle to it w/20 feet of line that I carry back to the cockpit for retrieving the rag later. This setup I use to plug up the space between the shaft log & shaft.

When loosening the PSS collar and sliding it forward to a neutral position while inwater, water may pour in. So I use the above method. At the shackle, this line is so when everything is set, I can walk near the stern with string inhand and just pull the rag out without having to go back under. This has worked great for me.

Look at the link I sent you for confirmation, but if you have a 1" dia. shaft, a 3/4" deflection is per manuf.'s specifications. Let me know if you have any questions pal........but, don't forget the PVC as a finisher.

CR

 

[Dan Hill]

Nice idea with the pcv pipe. Personally, if in the water, I would loosen the set screws and give the rotor an 1/8" adjustment aft for more compression. If your drip stops and your not creating any more heat/wear, let it ride til your next haulout and do some sailing. Replace the set screws with new of course. Good Luck and fair winds. Dan

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Wrench,

Thanks, but keep in mind the compression adjustment is set so as not to wear (shorten the lifecycle) of the carbon graphite flange against the polished collar. To much compression can cause it to crack, maybe under great torque as in the storm that started this thread. This compression polishes the carbon & this creates the seal.

Doug,

The easiest way for your adjustment would be to loosen the collar and slide to the neutral position. Then take the measurement from collar face to hub. When cutting your PCV, simply add the 3/4" to this dimension. Depress the collar using one half round piece to hold the collar at the right point, pop the bottom half on & clamp.
Why take a guess with an adjustment when you can nail it once.

CR