Prop shaft seal leak.

I have a 2002 Malibu vlx, the prop shaft seal is leaking water into the hull and wondered if anyone had changed one? The dealer I bought the boat from is worthless, so I don't want to take it to them. Even if someone can tell me how hard or how to remove the prop shaft would help, once it is out the seal should be a piece of cake.

Thanks Ron

It's normal unless you have a "drip-less" packing, but I doubt it. Should drip a drop every ten seconds or so. That's normal for a non drip-less packing. If more or less than that, it can be adjusted at the packing nut and lock-nut.

Or if the packing is worn out can be replaced.
To do any of this you do not need to remove the shaft

I have had the boat since new and it leaks far more than it should. We took it out a couple weeks ago and had 10+ gallons in the hull after about 3 hours. Do I just have to loose the large nut to repack the seal then? I'm guessing I need to buy the packing from the dealer or boat repair facility correct? On another forum they said they were using a product from the hardware store to repack.

Thanks for the response.

Ron

Buy the correct part. It should only be about $10.00. It is not hard to replace. Cut the ends of the rope at a 45. Do not make one continuous wrap around the shaft. Make 2-3 separate wraps.

I have been doing some reading today and looks like I might be able to tighten the packing nut a little to slow the leak. Does this sound right?

Thanks Ron

There are a couple other active threads right now about this topic. I need to tighten mine too. Sounds easy I will try tonight or tomorrow and report back.

The packing is rope saturated w/ wax. You can buy it for real cheap at www.skidim.com

yeah you should be able to tighten the nut to slow the leak a bit.

Ron, is it the shaft or the packing gland that's leaking?

If it's the packing gland, just loosen the Jam Nut (smaller one) and tighten the Packing Nut (Large one) until you get a drip every 15 seconds or so. Then retighten the Jam nut against the packing nut.

The pain in the a$$ part of it is you don't know exactly how much to tighten it unless the boat is in the water. And on a V drive, it's in a tougher position to get to the jam/packing nuts. It also helps if you have the right wrenches to do the job. I had to cut the handle down on both of the wrenches so they could fit properly and turn without getting caught up on pipes/hoses.

Had the same issue. I had to order a packing nut wrenchfrom West Marine to do the job.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/585555.html?1212370913

I like this forum, everyone is very helpful. I found another site that has the wrench and packing. I'm going to order both, that way if tightening doesn't work or for future repair I will have what I need on hand.

Thank you everyone.

Ron

http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1024

http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1025

ron, email me on off my profile and i can send you the instructions to to the whole job the correct way. really not a hard job to do.

http://www.wakeboatworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemi d=35

That should help.

Thank you that is very helpful.

Ron

Ok checked mine out and it is a dripless packing. Looked further and my rudder is the culprit! Looks like it can be greased but no idea how...help!