Stuffing box replacement

[Gerr413]

In the process of replacing this leaky box with a PSS pro shaft seal on my C30 2016. One of my concerns is where to relocate the bonding or grounding wires screwed to the top of existing brass box. New seal is not an option and I'm thinking transmission somewhere? Please advise, Gerry

 

[BB marine]

I have never installed a bonding lead to a dripless. The collar is attached to the shaft. Insure your contact area on the shaft is clean where the collar is locked on the shaft. This is essentially bonding the dripless components to the shaft which should be bonded to the engine thru the coupling. To confirm a continuity use a VOA and check continuity from shaft collar to shaft, then shaft collar to engine ground. If there is not continuity between collar and engine ground clean coupling faces ,you should do that any way because you have them apart to install the seal. Also check alignment. The dripless seals do not accept much misalignment. A shaft grounding brush is an option if you are worried about bonding the shaft and collar. I don't think it is necessary unless you are having issues.

 

[Gerr413]

Although this shaft seal compensates for misalignments and vibrations, shaft alignment fine-tune should be done when boat is in the water, not now. Does anyone have experience in bonding this type of seal as to where to fasten the two green existing bonding wires? Thank you Gerry

 

[BB marine]

It doesn't need to be bonded it is bonded to the shaft.The original packing gland never touched the shaft the packing did there for it needed to be bonded. Attach the leads to the transmission or just remove them from the terminal block. A mechanical seal does not except as much misalignment as packing. But any misalignment is not good regardless of packing. I fully agree a final alignment is better done in the water but honestly its not an old wood hull. With your shaft couplings (flanges) apart you need to do your X Y dimensions transmission flange centered to your log this can only be done out of the water. Then perform Z dimension. If you do the Z dimension (angular) out of the water and have your dripless preload set now your final check in the water will only require you to slightly loosen your coupling or flange nuts slightly to check if the alignment has changed. If its properly blocked or on a trailer properly supported your alignment will be very close to the same in or out of the water.