VETUS Propeller Shaft Seal Installation Manual

Key Requirements for Proper Sealing

• Propeller shaft must have a maximum diameter tolerance of +0.0 mm / -0.16 mm.
• Propeller shaft must be centered within the shaft casing.
• Align the propeller shaft with the ship engine before installing the seal.
• Propeller shaft speed must not exceed the values specified in the table.

Specifications and RPM Limits

Shaft Diameter (D) vs. Maximum RPM:

Principal Dimensions:

Minimum Length Requirements:

General Installation Preparation

The end of the shaft casing where the rubber sleeve is fitted must be free of burrs, grease, and clean. The free length of the casing must be equal to or greater than dimension A. The shaft must be free of scratches, burrs, and clean, especially where it contacts the floating bearing and seal. Any keyways or holes in the shaft must also be burr-free. The free length of the shaft must be equal to or greater than dimension B. Ensure the propeller shaft is correctly placed within the shaft casing.

Lubrication and Cooling

The shaft seal and any rubber outer bearing are lubricated and cooled by external water. A sufficient supply of external water is essential during shaft operation. The minimum required water flow is:

• Shaft Ø 25 mm: 20 litres/hour
• Shaft Ø 30 mm: 30 litres/hour
• Shaft Ø 35 mm: 35 litres/hour
• Shaft Ø 40 mm: 40 litres/hour

External water can be supplied via:

• A tap from the engine's external water cooling system.
• If an air vent is present (water injection point below or less than 15 cm above waterline), tap the engine's cooling system between the external water pump and the air vent, not between the air vent and the injection point.
• A separate water scoop with a valve (min. G 3/8 for all sizes). Position the scoop intake forward to ensure adequate water flow without disturbing propeller wash.

The shaft seal can be installed above or below the waterline. If installed above the waterline, ensure adequate water supply by connecting as shown in diagram 2.

In addition to water lubrication, apply the supplied grease between the seal lips.

Installation Steps

1. Apply adhesive strip 'A' over the keyway to protect the seal lips from damage during fitting. Damaged seal lips will cause leaks.
2. Grease the shaft where it contacts the floating bearing and seal. Grease the seal lips using only the supplied grease. Other lubricants may damage the seal, sleeve, or bearing.
3. Fit the rubber sleeve with the two hose clips onto the propeller shaft and shaft casing. The inner collar of the sleeve must touch the end of the casing. Tighten hose clamps to 4-5 Nm torque.
4. Remove the allen bolt and fill the cavity with approximately 50% grease (approx. 1 cm³). Use only the supplied grease. Replace the allen bolt.
5. Connect the water intake hose (10mm inner diameter) to the water supply. Secure each hose connection with two stainless steel hose clips.

Post-Launching Checks

• Immediately after launching, check the shaft seal, rubber sleeve connections, and all hose connections for leaks.
• Bleeding may be necessary: disconnect the hose from the inner bearing until water flows out.
• Always open the water scoop valve before sailing.
• During cruising, monitor the shaft seal for leaks and temperature. Excessive temperature indicates insufficient water for lubrication and cooling.

Maintenance

Perform the following maintenance every 200 operating hours or at least once a year when the vessel is out of the water, provided sufficient space is available:

• Loosen the hose clamps.
• Slide the shaft seal towards the coupling.
• Clean the running surface of the seal lips on the shaft, ensuring it is free of grease, dirt, and residue.
• Lubricate the shaft and the visible seal lip.
• Re-mount the shaft seal onto the shaft casing. Tighten the hose clamps to 4-5 Nm torque.
• Immediately after launching, check the shaft seal and all connections for leaks.