shaft seal--Freedom 35 (Pedrick)

Boat Systems
1

I have the Syntron (edit:correction, it is the Norscott) shaft seal. Age unknown. It uses ATF. When I bought the boat 2 years ago the ATF reservoir was low. I have been going through about a pint every 50 to 60 hours underway. I don’t lose any ATF when the boat is just sitting. It does not leak any water into the boat.

I have heard that one of the advantages of a lip type seal is it won’t fail “all at once” and sink the boat, but I must admit to being a little nervous about how much fluid it uses.

Things are real tight in the area where the seal attaches, what have you folks used as a replacement? I’m pretty happy with the Norscott, just wish it were a bit less thirsty. My reading on the forum indicates I might need a whole new shaft to switch seal types due to scoring from the Norscott.


Thanks,

2

Check with Paul Dennis and investigate one of his custom Tides Marine shaft seals.

Where do you think all that ATF from the failed Norscott is going?

3

Hello,
I also own a Freedom 30. Last year I installed a new Syntron seal, cutlass bearing, and shaft. It is incredible how little length is allowed for the seal between the stern tube and transmission coupling. Do you know if Tides Marine has a seal that is short enough to fit in Freedom 30? Also, what can you tell me about the Norscott seal?

Regards!

Allen D.