Tackling the Cutlass Bearing

[barfwinkle]

albeit cool (alright down right cold) I got 'er dun today! Not warm yet though!



Time for warming by the fire and a few of adult beverages



Now hopefully the "re-install" will go smoothly

[Neil Gordon]

Just curious... How's the wear on the shaft?

[Sea Hunt Video]

Bill:

In the photo is that a dripless shaft seal next to the shaft If not, have you given any thought to installing a dripless shaft seal during the re-installation process

http://www.shaftseal.com/en/categories

I have read good things about the PSS Shaft Seal. I believe that is what was installed on S/V Bali Ha'i by the PO. He said it worked well.

[Neil Gordon]

Bill:

In the photo is that a dripless shaft seal next to the shaft If not, have you given any thought to installing a dripless shaft seal during the re-installation process

I don't know what Bill's thinking, but along with my repower from MD7A to Beta, I'll be installing a dripless seal. I've heard all good things.

[David Morton]

Looks like the usual stuffing box with hose and clamps. I also vote for the PSS. Planning on doing the same, myself.

[barfwinkle]

Just curious... How's the wear on the shaft?

Neil I hope you & yours are surviving winter's blast. Unfortunately I don't have the experience to tell other than there was wear at the point where the packing contacted the shaft. The bearing was bad and 30 years old, so I decided to go ahead & replace the shaft.

I have not given the PSS dripless any thought because I haven't priced one nor do I know much about them. I'll look into them.

In the pic left to right are: stuffing box, old hose & shaft etc.....

Fair winds

[barfwinkle]

Neil

What kind of shaft are you gaining it use, SS or bronze/brass?

Fair winds

[Zeida]

Go with a new SS shaft. The bronze ones are too soft, and easier to get bent. Make sure it is pure SS. IMHO.

[Neil Gordon]

I have not given the PSS dripless any thought because I haven't priced one nor do I know much about them. I'll look into them.

In the $225.00 range if you have a 1" shaft. There's a pretty good explanation of them here:

http://www.starmarinedepot.com/pss-shaf ... OgodW30AnQ

[Ron M.]

Dripless seals have gone up in price - what hasn't. I installed one 5 years ago and have been pleased with it.
Consider a 3 blade michigan or campbell sailor prop = since everything else in your drive train will be new.
Re-power isnt cheap but the difference under power is most rewarding.

[Neil Gordon]

Dripless seals have gone up in price - what hasn't. I installed one 5 years ago and have been pleased with it.
Consider a 3 blade michigan or campbell sailor prop = since everything else in your drive train will be new.
Re-power isnt cheap but the difference under power is most rewarding.

That's the plan... New Beta, new shaft, new shaft log, new bearing, new prop, new hoses, etc. I'll try to save the cables and shifter and all of the existing boat holes.

[Ron M.]

Vetus makes a good water lift muffler with articulating ports for consideration while your at it.

[barfwinkle]

Ok Captains Commanding

I am sooooo perplexed and am beginning to question the collective wisdom and knowledge of this board.

Just how far up the stern tube are the set screws (exterior)? And how deep? From the pic (posted by Gary H) thread it looks like they might be 1/4" or maybe even 3/8"?

Help!

TIA FW and hopefully you know I' teasing!

[Ron Churgin]

I've never had a dripless shaft seal. I understand the advantages but would like to know from those who have them...what do you do if there is a failure? With conventional packing the slow drip gets worse and worse, but you can always (up to a point) tighten up the nuts and get back to port.

If a PSS seal fails under way or at an unattended boat are the consequences disastrous? I don't know and would be interested to hear from folks who have them.

Ron

[tjr818]

I've never had a dripless shaft seal. I understand the advantages but would like to know from those who have them...what do you do if there is a failure? With conventional packing the slow drip gets worse and worse, but you can always (up to a point) tighten up the nuts and get back to port.

If a PSS seal fails under way or at an unattended boat are the consequences disastrous? I don't know and would be interested to hear from folks who have them.

Ron

Ditto!