PSS Shaft Seal: White Powder
Moderator: Jim Walsh
PSS Shaft Seal: White Powder
I installed a PYI/PSS vented shaft seal in my CD25D as part of a repower. No leaks at all in 2 years but noted this spring a fine white powder, not salty tasting around the unit. The boat sat for a few weeks unused this summer and noted yesterday a small amount of white dry power on the engine pan under where the PSS is located. The unit itself feels dry but has the same fine white power on it. The PSS tech said it was calcium carbonate and not to worry. Where would that come from for a boat that sits in salt water on LI sound? Anyone else see this?
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Cathy Monaghan
- Posts: 3502
- Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 08:17
- Location: 1986 CD32 Realization #3, Rahway, NJ, Raritan Bay -- CDSOA Member since 2000. Greenline 39 Electra
- Contact:
Hi jddj,
If you don't have a copy of the installation instructions for the PYI PSS shaft seal, here's a link to them:
http://www.pyiinc.com/images/pdf/pss/PY ... ctions.pdf
Don't forget that the stainless steel rotor is right up against the carbon flange and there is friction. During the break-in period, it's normal for there to be a light spray or mist. It's hard to see. There may be fine carbon dust as well. But this should stop after the break-in period.
The seal is probably still creating a fine spray or mist and that would account for the white powder or dust. This just means that you need to further compress the bellows. The recommendation for a 1" shaft is to start with 3/4" of compression, but that's only a recommendation. Depending on your boat, the bellows may need more or less compression. I think I'd try compressing it another 1/8" or 1/4". We had to do that on our boat which also has a 1" shaft.
Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
If you don't have a copy of the installation instructions for the PYI PSS shaft seal, here's a link to them:
http://www.pyiinc.com/images/pdf/pss/PY ... ctions.pdf
Don't forget that the stainless steel rotor is right up against the carbon flange and there is friction. During the break-in period, it's normal for there to be a light spray or mist. It's hard to see. There may be fine carbon dust as well. But this should stop after the break-in period.
The seal is probably still creating a fine spray or mist and that would account for the white powder or dust. This just means that you need to further compress the bellows. The recommendation for a 1" shaft is to start with 3/4" of compression, but that's only a recommendation. Depending on your boat, the bellows may need more or less compression. I think I'd try compressing it another 1/8" or 1/4". We had to do that on our boat which also has a 1" shaft.
Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
PSS Seal White Power
I got this reply from the PSS engineer:
Hi James,
Thank you for the email regarding your PSS Shaft Seal.
The fine white powder that you see could be either salt of calcium. In
either case it will not cause damage to the PSS Shaft Seal. I have seen
this on many seals because when the shaft is rotating there is a film of
water between the stainless steel rotor and the carbon face.
Feel free to call me with any other questions at: 800-523-7558.
Best Regards,
Dan Schalk
Manager - PSS Shaft Seal Division
Hi James,
Thank you for the email regarding your PSS Shaft Seal.
The fine white powder that you see could be either salt of calcium. In
either case it will not cause damage to the PSS Shaft Seal. I have seen
this on many seals because when the shaft is rotating there is a film of
water between the stainless steel rotor and the carbon face.
Feel free to call me with any other questions at: 800-523-7558.
Best Regards,
Dan Schalk
Manager - PSS Shaft Seal Division