Leaking volvo stern gland: How worried should I be?

[Bobc]

It has the same characteristics as Laikas seal did in that the top of seal (12 o'clock position) is in full contact with the shaft but the bottom, 6 o'clock, has a 1-2mm gap, enough to see the inners of the first lip seal?

This may be because the seal has not been fitted exactly straight onto the stern tube.

 

[Mistroma]

This may be because the seal has not been fitted exactly straight onto the stern tube.

Something is mis-aligned, either the shaft or the Volvo seal. The seal sounds more likely than a horribly mis-aligned shaft.

Not too surprised it's leaking. Cornishwesterly did not mention regular greasing and burping. Lack of attention and an alignment problem would speed up failure.

 

[Travelling Westerly]

Something is mis-aligned, either the shaft or the Volvo seal. The seal sounds more likely than a horribly mis-aligned shaft.

Not too surprised it's leaking. Cornishwesterly did not mention regular greasing and burping. Lack of attention and an alignment problem would speed up failure.

Ah sorry, yes have had these seals on other boats so learnt early on that they needed burping and greasing, so yep greased yearly and burp upon launching. However it did catch me out this time as it was last burped about 3 months ago when launched and only used for a Scillies trip and a few short day trips. When I spotted it leaking I burped it and it was full of air! That surprised me as its never needed burping that soon again after launching. I thought maybe the air was getting in as it was leaking?
The engine and gearbox were replaced 3 years ago and the new gearbox replaced under warranty less than a year ago for another new unit. I assume the chaps doing the work would have aligned the setup?

 

[LittleSister]

The engine and gearbox were replaced 3 years ago and the new gearbox replaced under warranty less than a year ago for another new unit. I assume the chaps doing the work would have aligned the setup?

 

[Pye_End]

Agree. In my experience, you need to check the shaft is centred on the stern tube with your own eyes! Don't rely on others, even if they do it for a living. Easy to check if out the water.