dripless shaft seal question

[frosh coach]

My new to me (1997 DA 300 Vdrives) has dripless shaft seals. I'm trying to research which ones and it appears there are numerous manufactures. They don't appear to be PSS versions. The stern tube looks to be blue. Any idea who makes them. I'll try to get a pic.

Also, has anyone ever done this repair with Vdrives? My mechanic will be doing it, but man its a tight fit. I'm thinking the manifold/riser may need to be removed to get in there.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Golfman25]

Probably a tides seal? https://www.tidesmarine.com/sureseal/

 

[R-and-R]

A skinny mechanic is worth his weight in gold when you own a SeaRay.

 

[firecadet613]

I have a different brand but had no issues changing out the Tides seal assembly on my v drives, just had to pull the shafts.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

If you're going to replace the seals, check out Lasdrop shaft seals. That's what I'll be using to replace my Tides "lip" seals when needed. No affiliation.

 

[The Bill Collector]

PSS from my home state... https://www.shaftseal.com/

 

[Golfman25]

Yeah. The PSS and Lasdrop are mechanical seals. Very good, somewhat adjustable, and no contact to the shaft. Work great, unless some sand or similar gets in between the faces -- but is easily cleared by pushing back the seal face and letting some water flow in. The drawback is potential bellows failure which can sink the boat (but only potential, not likely).

The tides and others are lip seals -- a rubber seal with a spring to hold the seal against the shaft. It will wear against the shaft. And needs to be replaced every so often. Broken springs can cause issues as well.

Both are good options.

 

[frosh coach]

Thank you all for the feedback.

I'm interested in seeing how he's going to shimmy himself in there to get access under the motor.