dripless shaft seal replacement

[roberttigar]

After 5000 hrs, I have to replace the dripless seal assembly-the entire unit-not just the seal. I would like to do this while the boat is in the water.

Of course I am concerned with how much water will enter thru the shaft with the dripless assembly is off, before I am able to slide the new assembly in place.
The cutless bearing is tight-no signs of wear. Can I expect significantly more water than just the leak than now persists?

Anyone ever done this while the vessel is afloat?
Bob

[sailor_ed]

I did this with a rag around the shaft. Typically the shaft is not so low that the water pressure will be high. I took on a few gallons but it wasn't really all that stress inducing.

[MV Wanderlust]

Same. Rag tied tightly around the shaft and then stuffed into the gap. Leaked some but not even enough for the bilge pump to kick on. Had to use a wet/dry vac to suck it up, afterward. Being ready with the parts ahead of time helps reduce the leaking time.

[Hoohaa]

I read somewhere that if you dive in and pack around the stern tube with plumbers pan seal wax. Apparently works a treat, but that water might be a bit cold. depends where you are.

[Pete7]

Do you have a rope cutter? if so that might make life a bit more complicated as some need lining up so the anvil and cutter disk are engaged.

Pete

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Hoohaa

I read somewhere that if you dive in and pack around the stern tube with plumbers pan seal wax. Apparently works a treat, but that water might be a bit cold. depends where you are.
Attachment 177200

I think this could work well. A dry cleaner plastic bag might also work instead of wax. BTW, I use a bicycle spoke to rod out the grooves in the cutlass bearing. Really good SS so it doesn’t rust.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

BTW, I use a bicycle spoke to rod out the grooves in the cutlass bearing. Really good SS so it doesn’t rust.

Like that idea.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

BTW, I use a bicycle spoke to rod out the grooves in the cutlass bearing. Really good SS so it doesn’t rust.

Oh yeah. That's worth remembering.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by Hoohaa

I read somewhere that if you dive in and pack around the stern tube with plumbers pan seal wax. Apparently works a treat, but that water might be a bit cold. depends where you are.

Attachment 177200

That sounds like an ill advised thing to do. How do you then get the wax out of the cutless bearing? The slots in it are for lubrication and cooling. Clogging them up with wax is not a great plan.

[Hoohaa]

Originally Posted by Suijin

That sounds like an ill advised thing to do. How do you then get the wax out of the cutless bearing? The slots in it are for lubrication and cooling. Clogging them up with wax is not a great plan.

Yep! Can't argue with that logic. It would need to be cleaned out afterwards. You could possibly use the wheel spokes mentioned earlier. From my point of view. It's just saving you slipping the boat.