Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Packed gland or dripless seal?

waratah912 at 05/03/2013 17:14:07
Well after 25 years (and having removed the rudder, prop shaft, engine exhaust, heater exhaust etc.) the packed gland has finally been removed from the prop shaft to replace the rubber hose, though it looks in perfect condition.
Question : now I’ve got it all in bits, should I replace it with a new dripless seal such as the PSS or a new packed gland system (or even the old one if I can get it apart, however with such little access it’s going to be a bitch to adjust).
Does anyone have experience of / recommendation that would guide the choice?

I’m hoping it goes back together easier than it came apart!

Thanks

moongirl at 05/03/2013 22:20:57
The PSS system is pretty good (fitted to many Production boats) I have not fitted one as yet but it looks quite easy provide one is slim enough to go head first into thr Quarter Berth to get to the stern tube!
Might be worth asking Kit @ JR what they are fitting to new & refurbed boats.

doug at 06/03/2013 17:38:21
I fitted one almost ten years ago (blimey) just before I put a new engine in. The vent can be taken between the inner liner and the side of the footwell, where it is tucked well out of the way. It has been excellent.

Keny at 08/03/2013 15:59:39
The nice thing about the packed gland is that if it fails you can just pump a little grease in and it won’t leak. I repacked mine last when the boat was in the water. If the rubber seal type fails its ‘Goodnight Vienna’.
keny

GlennG at 10/03/2013 16:34:54
I fitted a PSS last year. Brilliant. Bilge is dry; all the worries have gone:-) Can’t recommend it enough.

Price was fine too; about £200 ISTR.

waratah912 at 14/03/2013 18:37:38
PSS arrived today, now to fit it….
Thanks for your help

waratah912 at 22/03/2013 12:49:11
Now we come to the tricky bit – there’s not enough room between the stern tube and the Vee of the bilge to fit the bellows to the stern tube. Maybe the stern tube is shorter than other boats? Short of extending the tube, it’s back to the original system as far as I can see

admin at 22/03/2013 15:09:07
HI Paul,
I seem to recall that when I replaced my stern gland (for another traditional stuffing box from T.Norris) I also thought the stern tube was quite short on the inside on the hull.

St Paddy at 03/04/2013 17:47:34
Missed this and now you have the PSS seal, Get a TidesMarine seal. fits a treat and allows you to get a water feed to the shaft bearing/ cutless bearing.
Keeps the shaft in better condition as well.