Please identify this shaft seal.

Wandering Star

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Anyone know what type of shaft seal this is, it’s fitted to my 1986 Sadler 29. The boat hasn’t been sailed for at least 10 years and I’m wondering whether It can deteriorate through standing idle? Sorry for the poor quality of picture.Its

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Anyone know what type of shaft seal this is, it’s fitted to my 1986 Sadler 29. The boat hasn’t been sailed for at least 10 years and I’m wondering whether It can deteriorate through standing idle? Sorry for the poor quality of picture.Its

/View attachment 198848
It's a Volvo seal, doesn't need to be a Volvo engine. If it's sat for 10 years, change it.

For example : FYB Marine. Volvo Penta Rubber Stuffing Boxes for all shaft diameters

EDIT beaten to it by Vyv
 
Anyone know what type of shaft seal this is, it’s fitted to my 1986 Sadler 29. The boat hasn’t been sailed for at least 10 years and I’m wondering whether It can deteriorate through standing idle? Sorry for the poor quality of picture.Its

/View attachment 198848
It is a Volvo Penta stern gland seal. They are very good and durable and should be perfectly OK through lack of use and in the dark. The VP stern gland must be burped every time you relaunch or after drying out. You just need to release any trapped air inside the seal to ensure the seawater comes into contact with the rubber bearing and seal inside the stern gland as the water lubricates it and keeps it cool. You either need to pinch the nose (forward part) of the black rubber with your fingers so distorting the rubber to upset the seal until water starts to leak out, or, as I find easier, just push the nose to one side which has the same effect. You also need to inject some VP stern gland grease into the seal. Buy a tube (about the size of a tube of toothpaste, which will last you for 10 years) and it’s a simple job using a plastic drinking straw. The little tube of VP grease has a nozzle that inserts in to a drinking straw. As you squeeze the tube of grease you can see the length of straw that gets filled with grease (you can calculate the length required for 1cc). Now flatten 20mm of the end of the tube so it is flat, slide that flat piece under the lips of the seal inside the nose, moving it around as you slide your fingers along the straw to squeeze the grease out until it is all gone.

Edit: beaten to it by Vyv and Paul....
 
I have a sadler 29 and its an incredibly simple job to change it if you do decide to reset the 5 year recommended service change. They cost about 130 quid. Assuming you have a penta 2002 it would be a good opportunity also to check the engine alignment and make sure the shaft is still central in the tube as your engine mounts rubber may have dropped a bit over the ten years. Also you can check all the bolts on the shaft flange are all done up nice and tight and also make sure the engine mount lower adjusting nuts are tight as they have a habit of unwinding on the volvo, especially the rear mounts. May seem a bit over the top but according to my volvo penta service guide, engine alignment is an annual check. It doesn't take very long ro do and its a good to familiarise yourself with that part of your boat and make sure its all as should be. Assuming of course you will be on the hard. Apologies if Im teaching you to suck eggs good luck and BW Nick
 
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