Leaking Vetus stern gland, how to fix?

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seumask

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I have just got back from several weeks away in the boat and what was previously a dry bilge is now not! The source of the water (approx. 0.5 litres per hour) was traced to the rubber lips of the Vetus stern gland when motoring. Short of replacing the seal is there anything I can do to prevent the leak? It appears as if there is a greasing point on the top of the part holding the rubber seal with an Allen keyed bolt coming out. How do I get grease in there, and can you do it afloat?
 
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AFAIK there is no grease in a Vetus seal. The seals are water cooled lip seals. If it is leaking the seals need replacing. Ther is a cutaway illustration on p42 of the Vetus catalogue.
 
There are two seals I believe so both must have failed unless its just water from the water connection. I think you will find the socket headed screw is where some grease ( of the supplied type) is injected during installation.

A Remove the screw with the washer and
fill about 50% of the forward space with
grease (approx. 1 cm3
). Use only the
grease supplied! Replace the screw
and the washer, tighten it to about
5 Nm
Click to expand...

I guess thats the space between the seals.

You can find the manuals on the website. http://www.vetusweb.com/manuals_55.php
 
Should have looked more closely! Not sure adding more grease will cure a leak. More likely a lack of grease has caused the wear.
 
Thanks for your thoughts so far, I find the Vetus information rather economical with their words! I think I will try and put some more grease in, and prepare for a replacment this winter as it is currently only leaking when running.
 
I had not seen the picture when i posted .. at least it looks like the one I found on the Vetus website :)

I agree with Tranona more grease probably wont help except perhaps in the very short term.
May well only be there to lubricate the seals when first installed.

It sounds as though the other seal is still holding but you will have problems if that fails too.
 
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