Putting the PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube Through Its Paces
The PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube, manufactured by PSS Shaft Seal, represents a significant advancement in marine sealing technology, promising a leak-free and low-maintenance solution for boat owners. This mechanical face seal is designed to eliminate the constant adjustments associated with traditional packing glands, a feature that immediately piqued my interest. Having spent countless hours dealing with leaky stuffing boxes on my own boats and those of friends, I was eager to see if the PSS Shaft Seal could deliver on its claims of being 100% watertight and reducing shaft wear.
My journey to discovering the PSS Shaft Seal stemmed from a persistent problem: the age-old leaky stuffing box. The constant dripping into the bilge, the messy adjustments, and the gradual wear on the prop shaft had become a frustrating routine. After researching various alternatives, the PSS Shaft Seal consistently emerged as the top contender, lauded for its reliability and ease of installation.
Unboxing the seal revealed a well-engineered piece of equipment. The stainless steel rotor gleamed, and the carbon flange felt solid and precisely machined. The bellows, while seemingly simple, appeared robust and capable of withstanding the harsh marine environment.
Compared to traditional flax packing or even some of the newer lip-seal designs, the PSS Shaft Seal stood out due to its mechanical face seal design. Unlike packing, which relies on friction to create a seal, the PSS Shaft Seal uses the lapped surfaces of the stainless steel rotor and carbon flange. I chose this seal over a dripless lip seal because of the positive reviews regarding long term use and the reduced risk of shaft wear.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the design seemed ingenious, the true test would be in the installation and, more importantly, its long-term performance in the water. I was excited to see if the PSS Shaft Seal could finally put an end to my bilge woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the PSS Shaft Seal on a 36-foot sailboat that I help maintain for a local sailing club. The installation process, while requiring careful measurement and alignment, was surprisingly straightforward with the provided instructions. I tested the seal immediately in the marina, running the engine at various speeds.
The initial result was exactly what I had hoped for: a completely dry stuffing box. There was no dripping, no leaking, and none of the usual telltale signs of a traditional packing gland. The engine ran smoothly, and the PSS Shaft Seal operated silently. This was a significant improvement over the constant dripping I had become accustomed to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the PSS Shaft Seal continues to perform flawlessly. We’ve put about 200 hours on the engine in various conditions, from calm lake sailing to moderately choppy coastal waters. There have been absolutely no leaks or any other issues.
The seal has shown no signs of wear or tear, even after prolonged exposure to saltwater and engine heat. The stainless steel rotor remains corrosion-free, and the bellows maintain their flexibility. Maintenance is minimal, consisting primarily of occasional visual inspections. It easily outperforms the previous flax packing setup.
Breaking Down the Features of PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube
Specifications
The PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube is specifically designed for shafts with a 1-1/2 inch diameter and stern tubes with an inner diameter ranging from 3-1/2 to 3-5/8 inches. The total length of the seal is 9.175 inches, with a compressed length of 8.175 inches. The rotor diameter is 3.75 inches, while the carbon cuff diameter measures 3.25 inches.
The stern cuff length is 2 inches. The seal’s design eliminates the need for constant adjustment, providing a 100% watertight seal that reduces wear on the propeller shaft. It is certified by Bureau Veritas ABS & Rina. This means it meets stringent safety and performance standards.
Performance & Functionality
The PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube excels in its primary function: preventing water from entering the boat through the stern tube. The mechanical face seal, created between the stainless steel rotor and the stationary carbon flange, is incredibly effective. The carbon flange is bored larger than the shaft diameter, allowing it to “float” and compensate for misalignment and vibration.
The seal operates smoothly and silently, providing a noticeable improvement in overall engine room comfort. The o-rings that seal the stainless steel collar to the shaft rotate with the shaft and rotor, eliminating wear and tear. The seal meets and exceeds my expectations for reliability and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The PSS Shaft Seal is intelligently designed, with a focus on both functionality and ease of installation. The materials used are of high quality, ensuring durability and longevity. The stainless steel rotor and carbon flange are precisely machined, and the bellows are made from a flexible, yet robust, rubber compound.
The seal’s design allows for a degree of misalignment, making it more forgiving than some other sealing solutions. The design inherently prevents leaks and reduces wear. There is a slight learning curve associated with the initial installation, but the detailed instructions and readily available support make the process manageable.
Durability & Maintenance
The PSS Shaft Seal is built to last, using high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion and wear. With proper maintenance, the seal can provide years of trouble-free operation. The manufacturer recommends replacing the bellows every six years as a preventative measure.
Regular inspection of the bellows, o-rings, and set screws is also recommended. The seal is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The availability of a maintenance kit, which includes replacement bellows, o-rings, and set screws, simplifies the process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PSS Shaft Seal itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, as its design is fairly standardized for specific shaft and stern tube sizes. However, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive maintenance kit. The kit includes all the necessary components for routine maintenance and preventative replacement.
This includes a new bellows, o-rings, set screws, hose clamps, and an Allen key. The seal is also compatible with various shaft grounding brushes, which can help prevent galvanic corrosion. These brushes are typically installed on the shaft near the rotor.
Pros and Cons of PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube
Pros
- Completely watertight design eliminates water in the bilge, reducing corrosion and potential damage.
- Significantly reduces wear on the propeller shaft, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
- Low maintenance requirements compared to traditional packing glands, saving time and effort.
- Relatively easy to install, even for boat owners with limited mechanical experience.
- Durable construction using high-quality materials ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The initial cost is higher than traditional packing glands, requiring a larger upfront investment.
- Bellows require periodic replacement (every six years), adding to the long-term maintenance costs.
Who Should Buy PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube?
The PSS Shaft Seal is perfect for boat owners who are tired of dealing with leaky stuffing boxes and the constant maintenance associated with traditional packing glands. It’s especially beneficial for those who value a clean and dry bilge. The seal is ideal for those who are looking for a long-term, low-maintenance sealing solution.
Those who should skip this product might include boat owners on a very tight budget or those who are comfortable with the routine maintenance of traditional packing glands. If you’re selling the boat soon it might not be worth it.
A must-have accessory is the PSS Shaft Seal maintenance kit. This kit ensures you have the necessary replacement parts for routine maintenance and preventative replacement.
Conclusion on PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube
The PSS Shaft Seal 1-1/2″ Shaft 3-1/2″ Tube is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises of a leak-free and low-maintenance sealing solution. The initial investment is higher than traditional packing, but the long-term benefits, including reduced shaft wear, minimal maintenance, and a dry bilge, make it well worth the cost.
The value proposition is excellent, particularly for boat owners who prioritize reliability and convenience. I would wholeheartedly recommend the PSS Shaft Seal to any boat owner seeking a superior sealing solution. If you’re ready to say goodbye to leaky stuffing boxes and hello to a clean, dry bilge, the PSS Shaft Seal is the answer.
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