Tides Marine Dripless Shaft Seal

[hnemshin]

2003.5 340 SDA, 8.1 Mercs 990 hrs...after 20 seasons my port seal is slightly leaking. My question is do I replace only the Lip Seal (of course on both engines) or the entire system to an updated part? Your input is much appreciated plan to do the work while the boat is hauled for the winter. I do not have a spare seal, and just want to be sure when the boat gets launched in the spring it stays dry. THANKS

 

[dtfeld]

I just went through this last winter. Tides recommended a whole new assembly. That includes new water lines. While it is tight under the drive, I did install a spare seal. At 20, it’s all getting pretty old, and the cost to replace is minimal compared to an emergency haul out if they spring a leak. Plus the big chunk of time/ cost is in getting the coupler loose.

Just a thought…If you have the shaft slid back, not too much bigger of a job to replace the cutless bearings, especially if they are 20 years old, or you don’t know their age.

One last touch, plan to replace the large nylock nut holding the coupling on the shaft.

 

[Golfman25]

Yeah, if you don't have the spare, go with the full monty like Dtfeld suggests. Good luck.

 

[hnemshin]

I just went through this last winter. Tides recommended a whole new assembly. That includes new water lines. While it is tight under the drive, I did install a spare seal. At 20, it’s all getting pretty old, and the cost to replace is minimal compared to an emergency haul out if they spring a leak. Plus the big chunk of time/ cost is in getting the coupler loose.

Just a thought…If you have the shaft slid back, not too much bigger of a job to replace the cutless bearings, especially if they are 20 years old, or you don’t know their age.

One last touch, plan to replace the large nylock nut holding the coupling on the shaft.[/QUO

 

[hnemshin]

Thank you very much, your input is appreciated!
I own the boat since new and have not touched any of the running gear so I guess it’s time.

 

[KevinC]

Thank you very much, your input is appreciated!
I own the boat since new and have not touched any of the running gear so I guess it’s time.

Check to see if you have the spare in the carrier. If you do it will make the job a little easier.

I would also do them both unless one was recently changes. If one has worn the other is probably not too far behind. If you are due for manifolds this would probably be a good time to do them too since it will make getting to the seals will be easier when the are out giving you the extra room.

I need to have mine done and there was no spare so I will do them both over the off season along with manifolds.

-Kevin