Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

[captain nemo12]

Hi guys,

Should the spring side of the Engel shaft seals be facing the water or the inside of the WTC? I think the Engel instructions recommend mounting the seals so that the spring faces the water, as water pressure will press on the lip, making the seal tighter. However, I've also seen people mounting the seal the other way around, so that when the WTC is pressurized (either by a piston tank or rubber bladder filling up), the air pressure inside the WTC will make the lip tighter around the shaft. I guess a similar thing could be argued for oil seals which do not have a spring. In which case, which direction should the conical lip be facing?



So what is the definitive answer on this?

Thanks!

Nate

[Wheelerdealer]

Re: Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

It works fine either way at the depths we operate ours subs at The spring can corrode if it faces the water so pack it with grease or some other waterproofing goo. Even operating the piston tanks with the sub out of the water and the spring facing outwards is not enough internal pressure to overcome the the the spring. So I would have the spring outwards and benifit from a better seal with increasing depth.
Piston tank volume is typically not more than 15% of WTC volume. So external water pressure from increasing depth quickly outweighs internal overpressure cause by operating the piston tanks.

[roedj]

Re: Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

OK, so just to clear up any confusion (mainly between my ears), in the picture in post #1 which way should that side face?

Dan (muddled in Michigan)

[captain nemo12]

Re: Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

According to Wheelerdealer, I believe it should face the water.

[Wheelerdealer]

Re: Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

Yes I use spring side in the water on all my boats. Cant see the spring in that photo but that end is in the water

[roedj]

Re: Simmering/Oil Seal Direction

Murky Buckets to all.

Less confusion twixt my ears.

Dan