I have a 1987 freedom30 that when I got it, my dad replaced the stuffing box with a PSS shaft seal. However I have noticed that despite burping, it sometimes squeaks and is reading at a higher temperature than it should so I think it is just too tight a space so it is overcompressed. Has anyone else experienced this or figured out a different dripless system that has fit in that space?
A squeaking noise? That’s surprising. The graphite ring is supposed to make no noise whatsoever, into contact with the large stainless steel disc.
Call up Lasdrop, and tell them you are super tight on space. They are happy to cut down their seal for you, and will make sure they do so without compromising its strength. However, don’t use the hose that comes with their seal—it’s too stiff. Instead, order an appropriately sized one of these red articulated hoses from Tides Marine and use that. The material is thinner and much more flexible. This is the setup that I have, and it works great.
1 Like
Just noticed the above part of your post. Instead of a dripless seal, go back to the stuffing box! A proper stuffing box is great; it lasts for years and can be easily rebuilt. I wish I had the space for one, but I do not. As long as you have the room to get two hose clamps on it, that’s the best way to go.
The PSS is an excellent product. In its current state, is there no longer any space between the stainless steel rotor and the coupling?
For a Freedom 30, the seal compression must be ¾" (20 mm).
If you have at least this amount of space available, loosen the rotor to check the compression level.
I made up a popcicle spacer that I used to set the tension/spacing. I measured the space where it just touched, and added the appropriate spacing (3/4"/20mm as per the previous post) to that.
Is there any chance you could post a photo re how the PSS is set up in your boat? I could not cram a PSS into my 30 with a crowbar and a sledgehammer.