(another) Stern Gland question

[weaver_fish]

Hi folks

Pic below. Anyone familiar with the Vetus fitting pictured here and can explain to me (in very simply terms!!!) how it functions?

 

[30boat]

Before anything else you should replace the rubber hose as it seems to be badly split.

 

[weaver_fish]

Ah yes - indeed - which is why I wanted to find out about the vetus thing before I start dismantling!

 

[colinmi]

Havnt see that exact one but it looks to be a fairly straight forward stuffing gaalnd or stuffing box, if you prefer.

Starting from the left and working to the right of your photy.
Propshaft
Compression nut
Gland body
The stainless tag is the compression nut locking tab and should be bent onto the nut to lock it in position. (I originally thought this was a connection point for a cable link to the anode)
Flexible hose
Shaft log
Hose and connection to the shaft log, which probably cools and lubricates a standard cutlass bearing, in the shaft log.

Its failry straight forward to over haul.
Tthe stuffing gland will have packing in it which should be replaced with some new grease added
The hose obviously needs changing. (I have seen wire reinforced rubber hose from the hydraulic type places used but best to get the right stuff from a specialist suppier.
I would have a look at the cutlass bearing in the shaft log whilst you are in there any way.

If you dont fancy it yourself, it shouldnt cost a fortune to get someone to do it for you.

Cheers

Colin

 

[pollygonforty]

it could be a photographic illusion but it suggests to me that you should check your engine alignment while you're at it

 

[tillergirl]

Or you could try and spot it here

http://www.vetusweb.com/manuals_55.php?s...n=&id=&

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Same as mine which I replaced complete this winter.
Needs a good water supply from the engine to keep the grit from going back up the shaft pipe. If you don't have a good water supply to wash it through consider having a good old stuffing gland with lots of grease. My shaft had deep pits where the seal had been so it meant a new shaft too.
I would advise using a better quality clip than the ones Vetus supply with their new rubber hose and your insurers will require two clips as you have at present.
Make sure your engine is aligned with the shaft otherwise it will destroy the gland and the coupling in no time. Good luck, Scotty

 

[john_morris_uk]

Further to the other posts,

1. I agree that you must use the correct stern gland special rubber hose - not just any old rubber hose that happens to fit. A quick google or trail through the forums will give you a link to a proper supplier.

2. The hose clips are better if mounted with the screw part at 180 degrees. Some better quality clips might be a good idea as well - as somone else has alreday suggested.