water from v-drive shaft?

[bpwsross]

I just need some advice, forgive me if I use the wrong terminology .... I know that there should be some water coming through the drive shaft to keep it cool, but there seems to be more than usual. I think there some packing that can be replaced. Can someone give the basics of what to look for to determine if this is excessive and if so how to "repack". When I bring the boat back to my dock, I am bilging more this year than last year....thanks for any suggestions

[Blamey]

First you need to determine the type of shaft seal you have. Regular or one of the dripless options.

As service options are different.

Post a picture and we can help.

Once you know what you have there are very good youtube videos that cover servicing the shaft seal.

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[homer12]

A few drips every few seconds is no big deal if you have a standard wax rope seal. If it is a stream it is a problem and needs adjusted or replaced. If it’s dripless different story.


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[thejean]

My 2017 G23 had a small but steady stream the other day from the shaft area when I pulled it out if the water. I inquired with the dealer and they told me it’s normal due to being water cooled.

[bpwsross]

sorry for the delayed response and Pic, can you share with me how to tighten to reduce water dripping from V-shaft, thanks, Bill

[charlesml3]

sorry for the delayed response and Pic, can you share with me how to tighten to reduce water dripping from V-shaft, thanks, Bill

OK, is it DRIPPING or POURING out around the shaft? If it's dripping then leave it alone. Seriously. It's doing exactly what it's supposed to do. We've seen more than one overheated stuffing box here because someone went to "fix the dripping" and ended up ruining their stuffing box and drive shaft.

-Charles

[bpwsross]

ok so it is dripping, drops continuously from the time the boat is put in the water, remains the same whether in gear, going forward, reverse or neutral - drip, drip, drip, drip...not pouring

[charlesml3]

ok so it is dripping, drops continuously from the time the boat is put in the water, remains the same whether in gear, going forward, reverse or neutral - drip, drip, drip, drip...not pouring

Perfect. It's doing exactly what it's supposed to do. Tight enough not to pour, loose enough to keep the stuffing box and drive shaft cooled properly.

Having your bilge pumps come on from time to time is actually a good things. You know they work.

-Charles

[code600]

What you can do is repack it with GFO packing it doesn't require that much water to cool it so you wouldn't need to worry about having excess water in bilge. I don't even know how people count the drips I can barely get to the nut lol so I just used that GFO packing and tightened it with a wrench few times. For my boat I had to remove the propeller, loosen the shaft bolt from the inside to slide the shaft a bit so I can remove the nut and the rest was easy to repack. If you have the right tools it's a breeze, I would avoid trying to save few bucks and bang with a hammer from my experience.

[bpwsross]

Thanks guys!!
Bill