Volvo shaft seal burping

[Norman_E]

I have wondered whether burping every time is necessary as the stern tube is very short, but it still takes a few seconds hissing to let the air out. However I did once forget for 30 mins or so with no apparent ill effects. I did then burp it and it still had air in.

I think the risk of the vent tube is small. I'm perhaps more concerned about the security of the greasing plug in the Radice. That seems unnecessary, it's only once a year.

That greasing plug has a very positive click into place action and takes a bit of effort to pull out. I examined one at LIBS and would have no concern about it at all. I intend to fit one when my Volvo seal needs replacement, which will probably be next winter.

 

[Plevier]

Full marks to Sillette for a quick helpful reply and the answer is that the 25mm seal is available for two tube sizes, 39mm and 42mm.

 

[Miker]

I've read through the informative comments. I have a Beneteau First 260 Spirit which has a rubber pipe rising from the prop tube just behind the Volvo shaft seal. The pipe ends near the top of one of the lockers. Can I take it that I DO NOT have to burp the Volvo seal when launching. I have done this in the past but it means that I have to empty a locker, lower myself inside and grope around to locate the seal. It is not an easy task given my advancing years.

 

[Tranona]

Possibly - it will soon tell you if it is dry - the noise from the dry bearing behind the seal is very distinctive!

 

[Plevier]

I've read through the informative comments. I have a Beneteau First 260 Spirit which has a rubber pipe rising from the prop tube just behind the Volvo shaft seal. The pipe ends near the top of one of the lockers. Can I take it that I DO NOT have to burp the Volvo seal when launching. I have done this in the past but it means that I have to empty a locker, lower myself inside and grope around to locate the seal. It is not an easy task given my advancing years.

I would say yes no need to burp. See my post #2 in this thread. That was a Bene First 29 lift keel - I didn't burp it, I relied on the vent tube. I can't see what else it could be for.

 

[Miker]

Thanks for the advice. Thinking back, I did inadvertently dry out once when running aground on a falling tide. I'm sure that I didn't burp the seal when the tide came back in, and there were no ill affects. The boat is a lifting keeler designed for trailing with a big vehicle, so it makes sense for it being self venting.