Fitting volvo seal to replace stuffing box

[mattonthesea]

I am contemplating using this time to fit one of the above. Two questions:

Given that this must be a fairly regular occurrence, is there a recognised machine shop that can produce a piece to replace the gland follower? It would fit against the face of the stern gland, held by the two compression nuts and have a spigot for the volvo hose? Obviously, depends on shaft diameter (1").

Why does it state that volvo do not recommend it for use with a flexible shaft coupler?

Thanks

 

[pvb]

The Volvo seal clamps directly on to the stern tube.

It's not designed to accept large variations in shaft angle, which is maybe why they say not to use it with a flexible coupler.

If you're thinking of fitting one, look at the Radice RMTA seal instead - this has a vent tube (so no need for "burping" the seal) plus a greasing point.

 

[mattonthesea]

Sorry, should have said: the present stuffing box screws into the hull and is the female for the gland follower compression to fit into. I need to replace this follower with a part that has a stern tube end on it. I know I'm not the first to do this so I wondered if a machine shop had become the recognised experts.

Thanks, RMTA seal looks good.

 

[Plum]

I am contemplating using this time to fit one of the above. Two questions:

Given that this must be a fairly regular occurrence, is there a recognised machine shop that can produce a piece to replace the gland follower? It would fit against the face of the stern gland, held by the two compression nuts and have a spigot for the volvo hose? Obviously, depends on shaft diameter (1").

Why does it state that volvo do not recommend it for use with a flexible shaft coupler?

Thanks

Can you post a photo of your setup, please?

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[mattonthesea]

These two photos were taken when I first got her. I have tidied up a lot since! The studs and nuts pinch the gland follower into the stern tube fitting.

The third photo is an idea taken from another Rival owner partially adapted to my measurements.

 

[Plum]

These two photos were taken when I first got her. I have tidied up a lot since! The studs and nuts pinch the gland follower into the stern tube fitting.

The third photo is an idea taken from another Rival owner partially adapted to my measurements.

Thanks, have never come across anyone who has replaced the "follower" with a fitting that has a tubular stub onto which you could fit a Volvo type seal. It would not work. Behind your stuffing box is a plain bearing, lubricated, i assume with grease through the black hose in your picture. The Volvo type seal is designed to have water inside it and that bearing will almost certainly restrict that and the Volvo seal will overheat. The Volvo seal is not just a seal, it is a water lubricated bearing too.

If I were you I would keep what you have. A well maintained and correctly adjusted stuffing box gland is very very reliable.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[PetiteFleur]

I did exactly this several years ago when I fitted a new engine. I removed the existing stern gland, had a bronze fitting made, similar to your sketch but no metal going rearwards, bolt holes identical to original and diameter to suit Volvo seal. Made by a firm on the Broads, can't remember the name but any competent machinist can do it with the correct material - don't use brass. Volvo seal replaced with a Radice seal about 8yrs later as it started to leak(on inspection the internal seals had inverted due to my fitting error...) Radice seal better as doesn't need burping.