What sort of oil for shaft seal?

[andy_wilson]

Some years ago I swapped my leaking Volvo shaft seal for a Halyard (I think) seal.

The system works by having a closely machined assembly of metal parts (one rotating one fixed) clamped to the shaft, and a flexible rubber part clamped to the shaft log.

The whole thing is filled with oil, with slight positive pressure supplied by rubber pipes the header tank sited about 300mm above waterline. It is totally maintenance free except for checking the oil level periodically. Despite the following problem, 1 litre (approx) has lasted 5 years!

Problem 1. The pipes (there is a flow and return) to the header have always leaked. The original plastic clips (squeeze together with teeth like a pair of fawceps) leaked so I changed them for jubillee clips which of course aren't totally round, so they leaked too. Strangely the above described plastic clips on the shaft end never leaked. The pipes attach to plastic stubs on the header - it looks like a standard ATF tank that you would find under a car bonnet. The dipstick on the lid is similar too. Any one offer a suggestion of a pipe clamp that will stop the leaking? Failing a better suggestion I was going to use a couple of tie wraps on each.

Secondly, if anyone is still reading, the litereature is on the boat 320 miles away. I think this system uses AFT, but can anyone who knows the system confirm this?

TA

Andy

 

[Juggler7823]

If its an Halyard seal and your description suggests it is, you put ordinary diesel engine oil in.

 

[colin_jones]

I have had one for about 5 years. It survives well on 15/40 lubricating oil. The same as I use for the boat engine.

 

[Birdseye]

With the sort of pressure involved, I would be inclined to use rubber hoses (try a classic bike garage) with simple jubilee clips.

I had a similar seal, worked well but got quite hot. So I ended up using fully synth engine oil in it.

 

[pete]

My Halyard shaft seal uses ATF .
Pete

 

[rich]

what is ATF?

 

[macd]

Automatic Transmission Fluid. Amost any garage or car accesory shop have gallons.

 

[cliff]

The seals on mine use EP90 gear oil as per the paperwork not ATF. Oil consumption neglible, maybe 10cc per season, seals 5 years old.

As for clips

These

Available from your local motor factor or here
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[Andrew_Fanner]

Interesting.

I use the cheapest motor oil available as 15W40 and find that the 1/2 pint or so I put in the bottle lasts a few months. If EP90 is the "right stuff" I'll swap over. I don't have any instructions for the seal and even wondered if I should add grease or what have you. Is there any adjustment for wear or any such? I got about 2 pints of water into its dedicated drip tray over the winter.

 

[sixpack]

I too use EP90 gear oil for the shaft seals and use next to nothing during the season. I have no noticable leakage round the seals either with the shaft rotating or stationary.

I do not know of any adjustments that can be made except to change the seals, something I have not needed to do yet and the seals were changed just before I bought the boat some 6 years ago, well at least I have the receipts for the new seals so I assume they were actually fitted.

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
Interesting.

I use the cheapest motor oil available as 15W40 and find that the 1/2 pint or so I put in the bottle lasts a few months. If EP90 is the "right stuff" I'll swap over. I don't have any instructions for the seal and even wondered if I should add grease or what have you. Is there any adjustment for wear or any such? I got about 2 pints of water into its dedicated drip tray over the winter.

[/ QUOTE ]EP 90 seems to be the "right stuff" at least for my seals. I have no leakage or at least the little "tray" under the seal is cleanish and dry. There does not appear to be any adjustment in the seals so I assume if they leak it is time to change them. I would be panicking if I had two pints of water in the tray especially if the boat had not been used over the winter - shafts stationary?.
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[LeonF]

Both my current and previous boats have the Halyard oil seal, and used engine oil as per the instruction manual. I sometimes noticed a little emulsification in the tubes, but never had any leaks, and topped up the oil by a mere mm or two. The one exception was a trip in early Jan, motoring for some 10 hours commencing on a very frosty morn with ice on the decks. I checked the tray on arrival and noticed quite a few lumps of coagulated oil. I had the current boats cutlass bearing changed and the yard replaced the system using cable ties. They said they always preferred them. Halyard Marine are still in business although theyno longer make the seal, but do stock spares and offer an exchange service. I am down at the boat tomorrow and will check the manual... let me know if you want any more info.