Radice v Volvo shaft seal

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Ric

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I want to replace my 25mm shaft seal this haul-out. I have heard that the Radice seals are slightly better than the Volvo seals in that they do not require burping after a haul-out. Am I correct in my understanding that this is because they have some sort of breather pipe that has to be lead to somewhere above the waterline? I am wondering whether this might mean a complicated installation as I have an AWB with not a lot of room around the shaft under the bunk. Also, not that impressed with the detail and pictures on the Radice distributor's site. I am wondering whether it might be easier/cheaper just to get the Volvo? I am normally fairly negative about anything VP, but the shaft seal does seem to be one of their better products.
 
In my view the Volvo seal is a great piece of kit. If you only need to burp it once a year when re-launching where's the problem. If you live on a drying mooring then I would agree it's a PITA
 
If I can just hijack this thread, I want to replace my old fashioned stern gland. My shaft is 1" and the stern tube is 36mm od. I don't think I can get a VP seal to fit this. Does anybody know if one of the alternatives would fit?
I am quite happy to have something that needs burped, as access is excellent.
 
Yes, you're correct in that it has a 'breather' pipe. It also has a capped orifice for injecting silicone grease ("every 5/6 months", rather than trying to introduce it under the seal, as per Volvo).
Other than the above, I doubt there's a great deal to choose between the two in terms of price or fuctionality: there are many testimonies to both working well, and very, very few negative ones. Much will depend on ease of installation and range of available sizes, the Radice having slightly the greater range.
Note that the literature with the Radice (I've just fitted one) suggests replacing it every 400 hours/4 years. I've no idea what the equivalent figures might be for the Volvo seal.
 
Kelpie said:
If I can just hijack this thread, I want to replace my old fashioned stern gland. My shaft is 1" and the stern tube is 36mm od. I don't think I can get a VP seal to fit this. Does anybody know if one of the alternatives would fit?
I am quite happy to have something that needs burped, as access is excellent.
Click to expand...

I didn't realise but asap supplies are now selling non OEM versions of the Volvo seal

http://www.asap-supplies.com/search/stern+grease/volvo-penta-propeller-shaft-stuffing-box-91254

In my case I built up the stern tube diameter with a bush

Edit: didn't spot you said 1" rather than 25mm
 
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Believe the Volvo seal is actually made by Radice, but the Radice version has the extra features and a different range of sizes.
 
Fitted Radice 25mm seal last year in place of Volvo, easy to fit no problem with space and it has been super. No drips, No Burping and cheaper too.
(no idea how to rotate the picture)
 

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I fitted a VP seal when I re-engined several years ago. I did have to have a new piece machined for the seal to clamp onto as the stern tube but so far it's been excellent, 9yrs old, 650hrs and no leaking. When I change it I will probably fit the Radice seal, assuming I can get it in the correct size. Just about to fit a Radice seal to a friends boat and it looks better with the vent tube and external greasing.
 
mickbond said:
Fitted Radice 25mm seal last year in place of Volvo, easy to fit no problem with space and it has been super. No drips, No Burping and cheaper too.
(no idea how to rotate the picture)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the picture - that looks like an easy install and better if it has a grease nipple. Any recommendations for a good mail order supplier?
 
Ric said:
Thanks for the picture - that looks like an easy install and better if it has a grease nipple. Any recommendations for a good mail order supplier?
Click to expand...

I don't think a grease nipple is any real advantage. Just squirt the grease into a straw, flatten the end, poke it in and run your finger along the straw - couldn't be easier. Agree that not needing to burb the seal is an advantage if you regularly dry out. How much is the Radice version? The non OEM version of the Volvo seal from asap is £40
 
Chaktoura said:
I don't think a grease nipple is any real advantage. Just squirt the grease into a straw, flatten the end, poke it in and run your finger along the straw - couldn't be easier.
Click to expand...

I have always slightly worried about how far in to insert the straw. Is it the small gap near the narrow end where the grease should end up???
 
dslittle said:
I have always slightly worried about how far in to insert the straw. Is it the small gap near the narrow end where the grease should end up???
Click to expand...
No, you need to push it past the first lip seals to get the grease between the two seals. It lubricates the lips.
 
Skipper Stu's 'insertion tool (!)' is a drinking straw obtained from MacDonalds. The bore of their straws is larger than the normal ones, easy to get the grease into it from the sachet and easy to get the straw under the outer lip. The grease can then be squeezed in from the straw.
 
It might be helpful for me to comment further on volvo seal bleeding and greasing.
There is a certain technique needed to develop the gap at the top with which to bleed or to insert grease.
I find some will just squeeze at 3 and 9 o'clock relative to the seal.
This does not work too well , what one must do is squeese at 3 and 9 o'clock and also pull upwards stretching the upper half of the seal up.
This very nicely does the job.
 
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