Volvo stern gland

[SimonD]

The excellent maintenance and drip free stern gland (can't remember the name of it) that needs to be 'burped' after the boat has been out of the water. That's easy enough, remembering to do it is a different matter!

I've dried out four times this season and forgotten to burp it every time! Does anyone have any bright ideas for remembering to do this when necessary?

Thanks

Simon

 

[Guest]

If it is a PSS then next time you buy a new graphite bit get the high speed version with the cooling water inlet.

Just connect a pipe to it and take it to a point well above the waterline. Make sure the pipe does not put any strain on the seal. Small good quality rubber pipe. Do not use any plastic that will harden over time.

Then you never need to worry. They get extremely hot without water and let go a lot of graphite but that is a long story.

 

[SimonD]

Thanks for that. However, it can't be a PSS as it doesn't have any pipe connections. It's just a plain rubber moulding.

 

[andy_wilson]

Shouldn't be a problem when drying out. You really should introduce water when first launching however. This is part of the standard routine once afloat. Check for leaks around skin fittings, burp shaft seal!

 

[DJE]

It sounds like the Volvo rubber boot with lip seals inside. Do you just squeeze it in to an oval shape to let in water after launching?
I do mine at the start of the season and try to remember after drying out; but many times over the last 6 years I have dried out for a few hours and forgotten to burp the seal when re-floating. No problems yet (touch wood) I don't think the seals have time to drain if you are only aground for a few hours.

 

[JackFrobisher]

Pre-engine start checklist:
Cooling water seacock - Open
Engine oil level - OK
Gearbox oil level - OK
Shaft seal - Burped
Battery switch - 1 (engine start)
etc.

I do it every time. I also grease it two or three times a year. It might be over the top but it doesn't get forgotten.

 

[SimonD]

It is one of the rubber lip jobs and sadly, it does seem to need burping after drying out. On the last outing, the shaft and seal got quite hot and air did come out when I finally remembered to vent it. I'm comforted that others have done the same and not had a seal melt! Thanks for that.

A checklist (preferably tatooed on my forearm) seems the only way. Funny SWMBO doesn't nag me though....

 

[Oen]

I use this method to avoid the problem mentioned and others...

The engine key is hung from the raw water seacock handle whenever the seacock is closed, and only removed from the handle once the seacock is opened. If the boat comes out of the water, the key is hung over the shaft seal (do I recall correctly that it's called a 'blackjack'?), and in removing it from there, I'm reminded to burp the seal.

This has stood me in good stead for years...