Dripless shaft seal - PSS or Tides

[Nancy]

Our 28TE had a PSS shaft seal when we bought it in 2012. We replaced the bellow in 2013, and it's probably due for replacement again. At least that's what the manufacturer recommends (5-6 year maintenance interval). And I think the darn thing is leaking again anyway. I'm going to rename it a dripping shaft seal, cousin to a Nevercold refrigerator.

At $150 for the maintenance kit vs. $450-$550 for a new Tides unit, should we consider replacing it with a Tides? The labor is the same either way, i.e. drop the prop and pull the shaft. Our mechanic strongly prefers Tides - many fewer problems than PSS.

[RobS]

Agreed, go with the Tides lip seal, way simpler setup than the “POS” !

[Nancy]

Thanks, Rob. It will be good not to have to worry about bellows, compression, SS rings, fussy set screws, etc.

[WillieC]

If Rob says it, you need to listen...although my PoSS has served me well.

My dad was a mopar guy. I knew he was slipping when I, as a young dad, was looking at an Aspen station wagon for my growing brood. His company car was a souped up Aspen See-dan and I tried to value his opinion. This wagon refused to find center on the steering. It would not come back after turning a corner and required constant correction just driving down the freeway. He was effusive about what a great car the Aspen was...that wagon became known as the Dodge POSSE. Special Edition. Made my VWs seem like Maseratis.

[Nancy]

Yeah, Willie - Rob da man. I'm glad your PSS is working OK. When I look back at my notes, ours has sprayed water every year except the one where we changed the bellow. OK, maybe the ever so slightly out of alignment drive shaft caused a problem. Maybe after that was corrected, the spray was from inadequate compression or - who knows - ready for scheduled replacement again. Either way, I'm tired of taking the boat apart to fuss with damn thing. My baby needs a Christmas present.

[rcwhite]

Both are decent solutions. Neither will tolerate running dry with contamination possibly being more of a concern with the PSS. Our 35 came with the tides which were both leaking.at the time apparently from running dry at some point. Ran them for the season and replaced them over the winter. Have 1000 or so hours on them and have had no trouble since. I use the included seal protector when pulling the shaft(s) to avoid damaging the seals.

I agree with Rob and appreciate the simplicity of the tides. Installation and cooling does matter for longevity for either solution just the same though.

If replacing the PSS with the Tides, pay attention to the set screw locations and be sure to keep the seal away from them. They will be easily damaged by the burr:

[Sisu22]

Anyone use LasDrop seals? That is what my yard installed for us last summer. Don't have any complaints so far.

[RobS]

If replacing the PSS with the Tides, pay attention to the set screw locations and be sure to keep the seal away from them. They will be easily damaged by the burr:

Excellent point.

I've had my head in many engine rooms and the PSS units all have some degree of spray line residue surrounding them, from prior or current leaks. And it's not a drip, it's a 360 degree spray line effecting everything in it's circumference. The worst is something like a twin screw Tiara where the genset is aft in the engine room right between the gears and they are more often than not subject to some degree of a saltwater washdown.

Yes the PSS can be close to perfected with diligent care but if it's not set it and forget it you might as well go with a conventional stuffing box with modern packing.

[jleonard]

With the Tides seal, make sure you buy an extra seal for a spare and install it on the shaft ahead of sealing area.
That way if the seal ever leaks you can replace the seal without removing the shaft.
Also if you can make the silicone hose a little on the long side. In case the seal wears a slight groove in the shaft you can shorten the hose and be on virgin shaft with the replacement.
This is my second boat that I installed Tides seals on. 1st I owned for 7 years afterwards , this one has been 14 seasons and pushing 2000 hours, never leaked a drop.

[Nancy]

With the Tides seal, make sure you buy an extra seal for a spare and install it on the shaft ahead of sealing area.
That way if the seal ever leaks you can replace the seal without removing the shaft.
Also if you can make the silicone hose a little on the long side. In case the seal wears a slight groove in the shaft you can shorten the hose and be on virgin shaft with the replacement.

Yes, thanks, extra seal is on the list. Our mechanic told me about this. I'm really looking forward to not seeing spraying water when I open the engine hatch. Very glad we're in fresh water.

[ajamesaux]

I have 1996 28TE with Cummins 5.9BTA 250 hp. The PSS seems to have too much water pressure from the raw water pump...heavy leakage... can I put valve in line to reduce water flow... anyone with knowledge of this?

Allen James, ajames1938@yahoo.com

[RobS]

You need to restrict the flow. An orifice inside the hose with a 1/8" diameter hole.