Saildrive shaft seal replacement -- "pro" only?

[PaintedKite]

Hi, everyone. Well, it's been a year since installing an all-new Volvo Penta 130S saildrive. I've got a haulout coming up, and I've been told it's best practice to replace that shaft seal at every haulout. So I want to do it, and see what I learn. Volvo offers a shaft seal kit, which my local dealer stocks.

Does anyone have experience to answer two questions:

1. Is this a job for a certified Volvo Penta tech only? Are there special tools involved? I've got a highly trained & skilled mechanic who handles everything else on my boat. Can a person like that, with regular tools handle the swap-out?

2. How long should this take? I'm guessing several hours. I feel it's probably too long to do on a short haul but can most likely be done in an afternoon.

I would very much appreciate any insight. Thanks!

[FPNC]

Normally this is a simple procedure requiring the removal of the large aluminum bearing and seal carrier and replacing two o-rings and two seals. Complications arise if parts are damaged by corrosion. Or just hard to get apart. Clean everything and Grease everything up very well with water proof grease on assembly. Seal kits should be less than $60 a leg.

[HeywoodJ]

Bavaria Yachts kindly has the service manual online. Page 76, step 33 covers the entirety of seal placement. Remove the anode, undo two bolts, pull out the carrier, replace seals and o-rings.

This thread describes a few minor problems and has some photos.

[goboatingnow]

Nobody I know replaces them annually

[bensolomon]

I replace mine once every 6 years according to manufacturer spec (PSS Shaft seal).

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

I replace mine once every 6 years according to manufacturer spec (PSS Shaft seal).

Sail drive shaft seals being an entirely different animal of course

[bensolomon]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Sail drive shaft seals being an entirely different animal of course

You're right! I missed the sail drive part. I apologize for misreading that, and thanks for pointing that out.

Ben

[hugosalt]

I changed the seals on my Yanmar SD20 saildrive a few years ago.
Do not know how different your Volvo unit is, but thinking if I (with minimal mech
skills could do) your mech should have no problem.
Few things come to mind.
I changed mine after years of problem free operation and also never heard of anyone changing seals on a yearly basis. Maybe if want to do because of unknown history or boat coming out of charter service, or going on extended cruise or putting many hours annually on unit.
I used spacers to move seals a fraction to keep shaft from scoring from wear in same spot.
Would be good to get input from long term cruisers / mech with experience with charter companies.
Again don't know if any of this applies to your Volvo unit.

[more]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Nobody I know replaces them annually

i do every year with a new propeller.
but the old propeller doesn't finish in the garbage. we collect propeller and exchange inside rubber in propeller.

[Captain Bill]

The only issue is getting the old seals out of the carrier without scratching the sealing surface and pressing the new seals into position. An arbor press is nice to have for doing this. Also making sure the seals are facing the proper direction. Any competent mechanic should be able to handle this with no problem. I've done it in less than an hour.

[zstine]

Haha!! Pro-Only!? There is no such thing!! In my experience, hiring a pro means you get a crappier result that cost a lot of money and then you need to fix yourself anyway.. The only time I'd hire a pro is if it is required by law (ex. need a PE stamp). Learn how to do it, then you know how to fix it when it breaks!


There are a bunch of YouTube videos showing you how to change your seals and it is absolutely a DIY job!!

[more]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

The only issue is getting the old seals out of the carrier without scratching the sealing surface and pressing the new seals into position. An arbor press is nice to have for doing this. Also making sure the seals are facing the proper direction. Any competent mechanic should be able to handle this with no problem. I've done it in less than an hour.

old seal easy go out with DIY toll made on lathe. better from original toll from volvo penta/yanmar

one side for removing seal other side for return taper roller bearing.
seal is return with hand and taper roller bearing press seal.

possible all do by hand by i use hydraulic press in a workshop. remove also in workshop on press and exchange max 5 min job.
more time i spend searching toll I made.

[jacktheflyer]

Easy job for anyone a bit handy. Having said that, the biggest problem is removing, dissembling, assembling, and reinstalling propellers depending on what you have.

[tamicatana]

My understanding is replacement every 6-9 years. As in, same as the saildrive boots.

Where did you hear to do that yearly?

[more]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

My understanding is replacement every 6-9 years. As in, same as the saildrive boots.

Where did you hear to do that yearly?

we Saildrive hull seal change after 10-20 year (read never or very rare)
prop shaft seal every year or second . why we do ,because after 4500 charter saildrive anualy x 22 year for service we have some experience after 100 000 saildrive service.
But charter boat annually have 450-600 hours on full throttle