Shaft / push rod seals / leaks - What are people using?

[slats]

Thanks guys you have given

Thanks guys you have given me quite a lot to consider.
Am thinking of completely overhulling my WTC - dare I say rebuild.
I am finding that time and use is the obvious enemy to seals leaking, and am convinced that apart from the every patrol maintenance that I do, that an overhaul every couple of years is a good thing.
What do others do in terms of longer term maintenance?
Thanks

[anonymous]

Hi,
I too use bellows for

Hi,
I too use bellows for linkages - they give very little friction, are reliable and easy to test - slight internal air pressure.

Simmerrings on shafts (4mm stainless usually) These are a lip seals with spring tension. Keep them oiled and wet when you run the motor because yes they will be damaged by excessive heat. The Simmerring website gives details of maximum shaft speeds.

They are really excellent seals- almost gas tight and low friction.

[mermaid]

Since the WTC is air

[color=#000000]Since the WTC is air tight as well, how about rigging a system to bleed gas from the ballast blow system to pressurize the WTC to just slightly more than the external water pressure? No pressure differential = no leak! Might take some doing, but it's do-able! NBB!!! DO NOT try this method if you are using Propell or any other flamable gas to blow your ballast!! Should work if you are using a CO2 system. ]



Edited By Mermaid on 1143337974