DRIPLESS SHAFT SEAL HELP?

[fearmhuir]

i have a dripless shaft seal fitted to a 2003 Malo 36. The seal uses EP90 gear oil as lubricant from a small header bottle. This year when I lifted out, all the oil in the seal and the bottle leaked out through the shaft tube, through the cutless bearing onto the ground. I assume that the seal on the seawater side has failed.
I have searched online but haven't come up with a matching unit, and none that use EP90 oil.
Have asked SwedenYachts who now build Malos, but no reply so far.
Anyone have any information?

 

[vyv_cox]

Many builders made their own seals of this type. The seals are lip seals as used in many automotive applications, crankshafts, drive shafts etc. There may be an identification code on the existing seals but if not measure carefully and match to online supplier tables, for example Simply Bearings.

You can see many examples of these on my website Stern glands

 

[snowbird30ds]

Replace it for a volvo type seal an option? Asap supplies do a cheaper version under the name orbitrade (swedish made so it claims on the box).

 

[fearmhuir]

Thanks Vyv for the advice. Just stripping it out now and will report back.

I looked at replacing with a new unit snowbird, but hate throwing something out that can be repaired!

 

[fearmhuir]

Thanks Vyv for the advice. Just stripping it out now and will report back.

I looked at replacing with a new unit snowbird, but hate throwing something out that can be repaired!

Well done Vyv, there were dimensions on both sets of seals. Now ordered and on their way.
I didn't realise there is so much information on your site - well done for all the effort!
Richard

 

[Birdseye]

Only think I would add to Viv's comments is that its best to use seals with stainless springs inside them. If your supplier can only provide ones with carbon steel springs, no problem Just swap over the springs from your old seals.

 

[fearmhuir]

Only think I would add to Viv's comments is that its best to use seals with stainless springs inside them. If your supplier can only provide ones with carbon steel springs, no problem Just swap over the springs from your old seals.

That's a good point. I will check that tomorrow at the boat. There are three seals - two face into the chamber with the gear oil so would be ok, but one does face out into the stern tube and salt water. Thanks!

 

[BobnLesley]

Our Vega had one stamped 'BMW' which used gear oil and a remote reservoir/header tank We never did find out anything about who/where it was manufactured, but our local bearing shop measured and supplied us with suitable lip seals (we fitted viton ones with s/steel springs) and the white metal bearings that we also found inside it.

 

[fearmhuir]

Our Vega had one stamped 'BMW' which used gear oil and a remote reservoir/header tank We never did find out anything about who/where it was manufactured, but our local bearing shop measured and supplied us with suitable lip seals (we fitted viton ones with s/steel springs) and the white metal bearings that we also found inside it.

Yes, that sounds the same as mine. It doesn't have anything stamped on it, but it does have white metal bearings inside.
Still no information from Sweden Yachts!

 

[fearmhuir]

Our Vega had one stamped 'BMW' which used gear oil and a remote reservoir/header tank We never did find out anything about who/where it was manufactured, but our local bearing shop measured and supplied us with suitable lip seals (we fitted viton ones with s/steel springs) and the white metal bearings that we also found inside it.

I just re-read your post, and you mention the white metal bearings - did you get replacements for those as well as the seals?

 

[BobnLesley]

I just re-read your post, and you mention the white metal bearings - did you get replacements for those as well as the seals?

Yes, it seemed sensible to replace everything whilst it was apart and the whole lot was only about £10 (say £25 nowadays) so I bought a spare set too.

 

[fearmhuir]

Yes, it seemed sensible to replace everything whilst it was apart and the whole lot was only about £10 (say £25 nowadays) so I bought a spare set too.

Thanks. I didn't have time to replace the shell bearings before boat went back into the water. The bearings are slightly scored, also the shaft, maybe from running in seawater. I have ordered the white bearings, but they won't be here until next week. So I have fingers crossed the old ones will last the season!