Dripless Started to Leak Badly During a Race

[Wainui]

I was out racing in Ventura this weekend when I noticed my bilge pump light was on. I checked and found out that water was pouring in thru the PSS shaft seal on the prop shaft. My bilge pump was keeping up with the flow so I finished the race and got back to my slip OK. The Stainless Collar had slipped back and was not making good contact with the seal.
3 weeks ago I had purchased a split collar from McMaster Carr but had not got around to attaching it to the shaft as a safety. I recommend to use this type of collar or even just a clamp as a back up and install a bilge pump alarm when useing a PSS seal.

Keep safe out there!
Mark

[KDH]

Just want to second the advice on the above post. Had the same thing happen to us while on the Wye river in the Chesapeake bay. Our engine compartment drain is quite small (less than the diameter of a #2 pencil) and the engine compartment pan filled up with water and was lapping the bottom of the engine and door when I opened the compartment because the engine vibration sounded different. Had to bail it out by hand. Had never had a boat with this type of seal before and had no idea at first what was causing it.

[Argyle38]

When you install the PSS, it's a good idea to drill a small divet into the shaft at the location of the set (grub) screw. You then put a second set screw behind it and secure it with some (not too strong) locktite.

Still, as the OP suggests, it is a good idea to back up the steel collar. I used a bolt on shaft zinc for mine and haven't had any problems in four years.

[cat man do]

True to their name they weren't dripping.

[AnchorageGuy]

I have installed dozens of these and always install a simple donut zinc as a safety measure. A hose clamp works too, but the zinc looks and works much better. Never had one come loose. One problem comes from repositioning the stainless collar doing maintenance or service. Once you loosen the set screws, they should be replaced and not re-used. They have a sharp point that flattens the first time you tighten them against the shaft. That tip doesn't bite as well when re-used. Here is a photo of ours. Chuck

[belizesailor]

Geez, everyone I know who owns one of these so called "dripless" units has problems with them. Given the complexity, proprietary parts, and problems is it really worth it?

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Geez, everyone I know who owns one of these so called "dripless" units has problems with them. Given the complexity, proprietary parts, and problems is it really worth it?

You should get to know some of us other people who've never had a problem with their PSS.

[sww914]

never a problem here but no reason to start a thread about nothing.

[Capt.Don]

Thanks for the info -I'll be sure to look for a locking mechanism!

Our boat came with an original PSS, which was about 10 years old. The bellows was leaking, spraying salt water. The shaft was corroded and had to be machined. Total replacement cost was about $1700. The previous PSS lasted 10 years, was reliable and no maintenance. When we bought the boat, I opted to replace the PSS and I'm glad I did.

Don