Dripping Shaft Seal

Status
Not open for further replies.

oberrys

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2013
Messages
24
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Vessel Name
Tangaroa
The shaft seal on my C28 D4 260 has started dripping about 40 drips per minute with the engine stopped. I’ve never adjusted the nuts before and am a little nervous about doing so. Any tips and video links would be much appreciated.
 
The Ranger Tug spring maintenance video Part 1 ("As the Prop Turns") addresses this topic
right around 18 minutes into the video.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ra ... &FORM=VIRE


It is something that, with the right tools, you can attempt yourself, or bring a tech on board with you. It is adjustable and manageable. Hope this helps.
 
Yes, with the right tools this maintenance task is doable. You do have to lay down on your belly on top of the engine and hang your arms/hands down to the packing gland - stuffing box area. So place a nice cushy pad down to save on the bruises etc.

I've down this task maybe twice over the past 18 months on my 2019 R29 CB. When you tighten, do so 1/8 of a turn each time, then pause and time the drips, and then repeat until your see around 2-3 drips per minute with engine not running and without the prop shaft turning. After this, tie the boat securely to the dock and run engine with throttle in first detent for a short while and check the drip rate. The rate may increase a bit but should not be excessive.

Good luck, and take care not to bruise yourself. 🙂

Tools you will need...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009W9BT0/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A forum search yields this also...
http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13548&p=90662&hilit=RIDGID+31305#p90662
 
I've also "manufactured" a couple of 1 ft extension handles, out of some 1 inch stainless rail tubing, for the wrenches. They help immensely while laying on top of the engine, or laying on top of a board placed athwartships across the engine compartment.
 
A little PB blaster the night before works wonders. Also a few hits near one of the edges on the flat point of the cap nut in the direction you want it to turn helps to loosen it. Using a ballpeen hammer and hitting it correctly so as not to damage the sharp edge of the nut is critical though. Not for the faint of heart maneuver.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top