Volvo PSS shaft seal

Re: Volvo shaft seal

We seem to have a bit of confusion here.
The PSS seal is not the Volvo seal.
The PSS seal should not be greased, it works on static O rings inside a SS rotating part against a carbon face.
The Volvo seal should be greased.
Sorry, but I do not see how the protector sleeve would be able to push in the correct ammount of grease!
Any time I have bought a new tube (small ) it already had a long nozzle, to ensure the grease was applied far enough back in the seal.
As regards greasing in the water, that will depend on the type of bearing you have at the prop end.
ie tufnall bearings hardly let any water in at all, whereas a standard cutlass bearing will probably have too great a flow to allow any grease to enter the seal.
My Calliope 40 had tufnall bearings, when my seal split (bad Batch ) on Puerto Rico, I was able to change the whole seal whilst in the water, with minimal ingress.
So that part is down to the individual vessel.
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

[ QUOTE ]
We seem to have a bit of confusion here.
The PSS seal is not the Volvo seal.
The PSS seal should not be greased, it works on static O rings inside a SS rotating part against a carbon face.
The Volvo seal should be greased.
Sorry, but I do not see how the protector sleeve would be able to push in the correct ammount of grease!
Any time I have bought a new tube (small ) it already had a long nozzle, to ensure the grease was applied far enough back in the seal.
As regards greasing in the water, that will depend on the type of bearing you have at the prop end.
ie tufnall bearings hardly let any water in at all, whereas a standard cutlass bearing will probably have too great a flow to allow any grease to enter the seal.
My Calliope 40 had tufnall bearings, when my seal split (bad Batch ) on Puerto Rico, I was able to change the whole seal whilst in the water, with minimal ingress.
So that part is down to the individual vessel.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, but I'm perfectly aware of the difference between the Volvo seal and a PSS type.

I followed 30boat's lead (as did most others) in assuming that, while talking about a Volvo PSS, the original poster was actually referring to the Volvo Stern gland. Indeed, cazzascotta has not posted to challenge that assumption!

That being so, my comments, and those of others, are perfectly legitimate!
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

If you read the threads, there are people talking about the PSS seal. ( not yourself )
so I decided to clear up the confusion.
If you read my insert, correctly, you will see that I am actually agreeing with YOU!
but whatever !
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

OK, here Cazzascotta! I apologise for the confusion, but, at least, we all learned about two things instead of one!
MY stern gland is a Volvo Penta, and I thought that PSS was a definition of the "type" or category of stern gland.
I have the original Volvo grease tube, but the nozzle is about 15 mm, so I can't go too far into the rubber gland.
But I have learned much, so I thank you all for the contribution.
Cazzascotta
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

[ QUOTE ]
I have the original Volvo grease tube, but the nozzle is about 15 mm, so I can't go too far into the rubber gland.

[/ QUOTE ] Ditto. Anyone got any ideas for an easier way - something with a long thin flexible nozzle that will go under the lipseal without damaging it?

- W
 
the bush is for assembly but one can do as you suggest, will do mine next weekend like that! have about 3 of the red things if anyone wants one.

stu
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

As others have posted here and on previous threads - a way to go is to use the cut-off corner of a plastic bag containing the grease, pushed under the seal, and squeezed.
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

I find it hard to believe that will work, but will give it a go. I don't see how you push something as flimsy as a plastic bag corner under the lip, and wonder if people are just kidding themselves the grease is getting into the right place.

- W
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

Stiff plastic is better, but it works. You can probably get the bag 0.5 inch into the lip. Rotate the shaft to spread the grease.
 
Chrisb
I'd have to agree with you?

I have a club boat with a Volvo seal fitted to a MD22 the last time I greased it was 1997. Since then every time the boat is launched we give the seal a quick squeeze until water comes out and forget about for the next 6+ months.
It doesn't drip, leak or squirt ~ not a single drop of water the whole season and this boat is averaging 12 hrs/week and is working for ~ well she's just been launched and I'll recover her the 1st week of Dec 08.

Maybe I've just been lucky but to be that lucky for 11 years?????

Peter.
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

[ QUOTE ]
I find it hard to believe that will work, but will give it a go. I don't see how you push something as flimsy as a plastic bag corner under the lip, and wonder if people are just kidding themselves the grease is getting into the right place.

- W

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Webcraft,

Yes it really does work - been doing it that way for over 22 years. As others have said, you do need a 'stiff' or strong polythene bag to get the 'corner' from though. A sandwich type bag is too thin and flimsy and therefore useless.

If you use a pair of adjustable pincers (or similar) to gently but firmly squeeze/pull the shaft seal upwards, you will find that the 'icing' bag of grease will easily slide into the gap created.

Main thing is to ensure that you carefully fold the open end of the 'bag' over several times to stop the grease squeezing back the wrong way, and not into the seal. Think squeezing a tube of toothpaste in the middle, not a problem when full, but unless you fold the end over as it empties, the stuff can go either way.

Do try it, it does get the grease right in there where you need it and, as I've posted on the subject several times, it pays to put more (I put at least double the amount) than the recommended one cc in the 'bag' 'cos you won't find it possible to completely empty the bag.

HTH's

Jerry
 
Re: Volvo shaft seal

I find the easiest way to get the grease in a Volvo Seal is to cut off or unwrap the flat end of the grease tube, bend the flat end it over the prop shaft, gently push the flat end into the seal (squeezing the seal as when venting it creates an adequate gap), squeeze the grease tube and propshat together, and the grease goes in the seal very easily. Total time including wiping away excess grease two or three minutes.

The seal is quite robust and so far, over six seasons with one boat and two with another, the seals have not shown any signs of damage or leaks.

Before I tried this method I found it very difficult to get much grease in using the pointed end of the tube. Even tried using two small screwdrivers to create a gap but it was still not as efficient as described above.
 
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