"Dripless" Seals

[TresGatos]

I have the Tides "dripless" seals (aka Strong Seals) on my Silverton rudders. Alas, they have dripped since day one. The problem is the constant salt/calcium build-up on top of the lip seals. Despite my constant cleaning with a pick, smoothing the shaft with an emory cloth, and cycling the rudders weekly they have been replaced twice in only four years. My mechanic said they will always leak, are unsafe and to replace them out at the next haul-out with traditional packing glands. BTW I have the same dripless seals for the propeller shafts but they work great (mounted horizontally allowing water to drain off the seal). Any advice/experience appreciated.<br /><br />TresGatos

 

[rodbolt]

Re: "Dripless" Seals

the dripless type seals seem to work ok on the propshafts, not worth much on the rudders. most all I ever saw leaked. I would replace them with the old flax style packing.

 

[TresGatos]

Re: "Dripless" Seals

rodbolt,<br />Thanks for the advice - will do next haul-out. <br /><br />TresGatos

 

[rodbolt]

Re: "Dripless" Seals

its easier said than done<br /> I always wondered if I could water pressurize them like the propshaft seals are.

 

[markvictor]

Re: "Dripless" Seals

The problem with the tides seals on the rudders is that many of the rudder posts don't have a top bearing to prevent lateral movement which accelerates the wear(as well as the crust...) they depend on the packing gland for stability I too really like those seals on the shafts, especially since you can put on the spare seal carrier..as opposed to the PSS type...which also works well, but there is something about depending in a spring to keep the water out that I was never comfortable with...