2001 Super air - Prop shaft seal/rudder seal

[2001SAN]

Hello all,

I've just picked up my 2001 SAN. After a good run on the river yesterday I noticed the auto bilge coming on from time to time. I'm assuming that I'm taking on water through the prop shaft seal or rudder seal.

Any advice/tips for checking or trouble shooting this or any pointers do downloads/manuals that would be of help? Coming from a stern drive this is all new to me!

Thanks in advance,

D.

[crobi2]

Congrats on the new boat!

The driveshaft log needs to leak water about a drop every couple of seconds to lubricate the shaft to prevent the seal from burning up and/or scoring the shaft.

If it is a steady stream you can try to tighten the log by loosening the lock nut and then tightening the packing nut. (you will have to cut the safety wire to turn the nut).

The thing is though if you are going to pull up the floor and all so you can get to it, you probably ought to just go ahead and replace the packing. You can do it with the shaft still in the boat but you will need to have/make some kind of pick to get the old packing out (should be 4 layers, save them to use to cut the new stuff to proper length). I would recommend the gore tex packing - it is what I used (I think it is the 3/16"). Rotate the ends 90deg from each other so the cut ends don't overlap.

For the rudder, you can do the same thing with just tightening it up if it's leaking too much (you need to check both log and rudder while in the water) or you can drop the rudder and replace the packing in it (should be same size as log). If you are going to do it, make sure it will clear the trailer when you drop it or leave the boat short on the trailer when you are going to do it. Also, when I say drop, it will DROP, so put something under it to stop it.

Good luck!

[h2ohangtime]

Also check all your hose clamps, especially the ones that connect the large exhaust hose to the through-hull. I had the same problem when we first got our 2002 SAN and it turned out there was a small leak in the exhaust because the hose clamp was loose. A little work with a 5/16" socket can make a big difference.

[2001SAN]

Great advice guys. The boat is 60 miles away so I can't go have a look so forgive my ignorance on the next few questions:

- Can I test the the drip with the boat out of the water (i.e, fill the bilge and see what comes out)?
- Just to confirm, I need to take the floor up in order to tighten the nut and/or replace the packing?

Thanks in advance,

D.

[crobi2]

To get the pressure close, you would have to fill the bilge up to the water line on the boat which may be higher than your starter and other stuff. I guess you could fill it up some and find out what happens.

I'm not sure if you can even see the log with the rear seat and floor in place. If you can somehow get to it to work on it - more power to you.

If you take the seats and floors out, it's actually really easy. It's all modular - the rear seatback lifts out. The seat cushion frame is held together with some threaded knobs and the floor has some screws in the front near the ski locker. It all just pops right out.

[2001SAN]

Cool. Thanks again. No doubt i'll be back with more questions!

D.