PSS Type A/PRO Seal Installation Instructions

Important - Read Before Starting!

Before starting your installation, carefully read the following warnings and instructions. Failure to properly follow the warnings and instructions could lead to personal injury or even death or physical, environmental, or property damage.

The PSS (Packless Sealing System) Shaft Seal ("PSS") you are preparing to install is a through-hull fitting that protects against water from entering the boat where the shaft enters the hull when properly installed and maintained. Make sure that you or your designated installer is a qualified professional, knowledgeable, and skilled to install the PSS correctly and that you have all the required tools and additional equipment on hand before beginning installation.

• If removing the engine transmission for repair or if launching the boat without a transmission installed, then the shaft must be kept in place with a device that will secure the shaft with the PSS bellows in its normal "compressed mode."
• Install the PSS ONLY with the boat out of the water.
• DO NOT USE oil, grease (petroleum products), or silicone products at any time during the installation. Use soap and water to lubricate the o-rings of the rotor when sliding it down the shaft.
• Clean the seal area of your boat, so you do not contaminate the sealing surface with dirt, oil, or other foreign matter. Do not damage or scratch the face of the carbon or the face of the stainless steel rotor during unpacking or while handling or installing the PSS.
• There should be a total of four (4) set screws in the two holes of the rotor (2 sets screws in each hole). If you must move the stainless steel rotor, make sure to remove the top set screws to access the bottom two set screws.
• Do not re-use the supplied cupped pointed set screws. If multiple tightening has flattened the cupped-point set screw, replace the affected screw with a new one.
• There should be a total of four (4) hose clamps securing the bellows ends. These clamps should be replaced if they show any sign of corrosion.
• Do not slide the aft bellows cuff too far down over the stern tube. The leading edge of the stern tube could cause damage to the inner ribs of the bellows and improperly limit the bellows movement and travel.
• If fitting a vent line (boats under 12 knots), do not run a loop at the top end of the hose as this could promote a siphon.
• If the boat sits idle for a long period of time (generally 3 months or more), it is necessary to move the carbon face back to allow a small amount of water to enter the boat.
• As with any hose under the waterline, the PSS bellows must be inspected regularly (i.e., no less than at least every 6 months under most circumstances) and checked for any signs of deterioration (cracks, splits, tears, brittleness, or other signs). Upon any sign of deterioration, the bellows must be replaced. As preventive maintenance, the bellows should be replaced no less than every 6 years on the Type A Seal, and 8 to 10 years on the PSS PRO Seals, regardless of its apparent condition.
• Do not allow any petroleum-based liquid or corrosive material to come in contact with the PSS. Take care to ensure that this does not occur, for example, when performing general maintenance or winterizing the engine.
• The shaft should be near centered and run parallel to the shaft log.
• Do not use an ozone generator (e.g., air cleaner) in or around your boat. The extra ozone will speed up the deterioration of any rubber product, including the PSS bellows.
• The bellows will need more frequent inspection and replacement in an environment where non-sealed batteries emit sulfuric acid vapors. Sulfuric acid vapors will accelerate the deterioration of any rubber materials, including the PSS bellows.
• Do not use sealant to fit the bellows to the stern tube or the hose to the hose barb.
• Do not run dry. It is imperative that the mating faces of the stainless steel rotor and carbon stator receive adequate water flow to cool and lubricate the seal faces at all times.
• Do not use the PSS SEAL on a submarine vehicle.

Installation Instructions

In all cases, the boat must be out of the water to perform this installation.

1. Unbolt the shaft coupling from the transmission coupling.
2. Remove the shaft coupling from the shaft. Coupling styles will vary by manufacturer. For example, some couplings use set screws to keep the coupling in place, while others use a rolling pin and others use a nut (always use the appropriate tools and procedures for your particular application).
3. Remove the old stuffing box and packing material. There are three types of packing glands that can be found on most boats: "Classic," "Bolt-On," and "Threaded."
4. Clean the entire exposed shaft with very fine sandpaper (#400 or #600 grit) to remove any debris or rough edges. Pay particular attention to the keyway located at the forward end of the shaft, where the stainless steel rotor will pass. The shaft and keyway must not have any sharp edges that could damage the o-rings upon installation.
5. Slide the open end of the bellows and its hose clamps down the shaft and onto the bare stern tube and make sure the bellows have a proper fit over the shaft log. Once in place, the bellows should overlap the stern tube by the same amount as the bellows cuff so the hose clamps will properly tighten the bellows to the shaft log. WARNING: Do not slide the bellows cuff too far down and over the stern tube. If the bellows are slid too far onto the stern tube, the stern tube's forward edge could damage the bellows' inner ribs and improperly limit the bellows' travel. Instead, tighten the hose clamps to secure the bellows to the stern tube and fit the black clamp protector to the tail of the hose clamps.
6. Ensure the carbon flange is in place on the forward end of the bellows and that the two hose clamps properly secure it. Also, confirm that the carbon is free of any defects or imperfections on its polished face.
7. Remove the stainless steel rotor from the protective pouch. Verify that there are two (2) o-rings placed into the o-ring grooves inside the bore of the rotor. Confirm that the mating face of the rotor is free of any defects or imperfections. Take 2 (two) set screws from the plastic bag, apply a drop of thread-lock (blue tube) to the thread of each set screw, and thread them. WARNING: Two more set screws will be installed at step 14. Thread one screw into each hole, stopping just short of the screw protruding into the inside bore of the rotor.
8. Lubricate the shaft and o-rings of the rotor, and slide the stainless steel rotor down the shaft. Use a petroleum-free liquid (e.g., a dish soap and water solution works well) as the lubricant. CAUTION: DO NOT USE OIL, GREASE, OR SILICONE AS THE LUBRICANT.
9. Re-attach the shaft coupling to the shaft and ensure that all the safety devices provided and recommended by the coupling manufacturer are in place.
10. Re-attach the shaft coupling to the transmission, ensuring it is installed to the manufacturer's specifications and tolerances. Make sure all the safety devices provided and recommended by the coupling manufacturer are in place.
11. Now that the shaft is in place, please verify that the carbon is centered on the shaft (note the carbon ring is bored at a larger diameter than the shaft, it is normal), verify that the bellows cuff is properly placed on the stern tube, and verify that the shaft is near center in the shaft log. Next, adjust so the PSS runs true with the shaft. Finally, tighten all the hose clamps around the stern tube and the carbon.
12. Slide the stainless steel rotor down the shaft until it just TOUCHES the carbon. Mark this position on the shaft as the "neutral" position with a marker or a piece of tape on the shaft just in front of the rotor.
13. Sliding the stainless steel rotor aft, compress the bellows by the amount indicated on the bellows compression chart shown below, using the "neutral" mark as a reference point. Then, while keeping the bellows in the "compressed" position, tighten the two (2) set screws against the shaft with the provided allen wrench (Use approximately 6-foot pounds of torque for shafts 3/4" to 1-3/8" and 8-foot pounds of torque for shafts 1-1/2" to 3-3/4"). If you need to insert the long arm of the allen wrench into the hole, a vice-grip, for example, maybe fitted on the short arm to help provide the required torque.
    1. For the "PRO" model only: Install the 2 part clamp around the shaft and slide it against the rotor. Tighten the clamp screws.
    
    

    PSS Type A Shaft Seal Compression Chart

    Shaft Diameter	Compression Amount
    3/4" to 1-3/8" (20mm to 35mm)	3/4" (20mm)
    1-1/2" to 3-3/4" (38mm to 95mm)	1" (25mm)

    
    

    PSS PRO Shaft Seal Compression Chart

    Shaft Diameter	Compression Amount
    3/4" to 2-1/2" (20mm to 65mm)	3/4" (20mm)
    2-3/4" to 3-3/4" (70mm to 95mm)	1" (25mm)

    
    

    PSS Type B Shaft Seal Compression Chart

    * The suggested 1" of compression is an average load. Up to 1-1/2" of compression can be applied, if necessary.

    Shaft Diameter	Compression Amount
    4" to 6" (100mm to 150mm)	1" * (25mm)

14. Remove from the plastic bag 2 (two) additional set screws, apply a drop of thread-lock (blue tube) to the thread of each set screw, and thread one into each hole. This will act as a locking device for the first set screws. Do not re-use cupped point set screws.
15. Plumbing the system:
    Note: Sailboats or displacement powerboats with a powering speed below 12 knots can use either method A or B. However, displacement boats with a bearing in the shaft log must plumb water to the seal. Regardless of the method, it is imperative that the mating faces of the stainless steel rotor and carbon stator receive adequate water flow to cool and lubricate the seal faces at all times. Some boats, Sail or Power, may have a stern tube that gets out of the water in certain conditions, these boats must always use the method outlined for high-speed boats.

    1. Low speed boats: (Under 12 knots of boat speed under power and no bearing in the shaft log).

       Using a 3/8" (8mm or 9mm) ID "underwater rated" hose (not provided with the PSS), connect the hose to the hose barb fitting installed on the carbon and secure the hose with two (2) hose clamps. Run the hose to a point in the boat at least two (2) feet above the waterline, making sure that the hose does not apply any load on the carbon part of the seal. Keep the hose as close as possible to the vessel's centerline, so the top of the vent hose is never below the waterline, even if the boat heels. Secure the hose in place with the necessary fittings that ensure it will not pull free and drop. This hose is now a venting hose that will help ensure that no air is trapped in the seal.

       WARNING: Do not run a loop at the top end of the vent hose as it could start a siphon action in some extreme conditions. Make sure the vent hose is properly secured from falling below the waterline. If the vent hose were to fall below the waterline, water would come into the boat. Do not plug or block the end of the vent hose, as this would prevent the line from venting.

    2. High-speed boats: (Over 12 knots of boat speed under power).

       Note: Twin engine boats that can exceed 12 knots on a single engine must run a crossover line between seals to ensure both seals maintain water flow while running on only one engine.

       For high-speed vessels, it is required that a water supply be plumbed to the PSS for cooling and lubricating the seal faces (i.e., at over approximately 12 knots of speed, a vacuum is created in the stern tube, and water is drawn away from the PSS resulting in a loss of cooling water that may cause the carbon to overheat). There are multiple sources of water for the supply. The following are a few non-exhaustive examples. These are examples only, and they may or may not apply to your particular boat.

       Note:

       • Maximum water pressure should not exceed 10 PSI.
       • T-off the engine raw water-cooling line. (Note:T-kits are available separately from PYI Inc. for internal hose 3/4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2")
       • Thread a barb fitting into the drain plug of the heat exchanger if applicable.
       • Thread barb fitting into the drain plug of the exhaust manifold if the manifold is raw water-cooled.
       • Add a small scoop underwater for keel-cooled boats or T-off another water pick up. (Note: A valve must be installed to regulate the water flow as too high water flow may over pressurize the PSS seal). Use an appropriate “underwater rated” hose from the fittings on the boat and the fitting on the PSS and secure them with two (2) hose clamps at each end.
       • NOTICE: All plumbing must follow the standards and practices of proper boat plumbing. For example, if the pick-up on the engine is located under the waterline, an anti-siphon fitting must be installed, in addition to other standards and practices.
16. Testing: When launching the boat, inspect the PSS and ensure the PSS is properly in place. Water should not be entering the boat from the PSS seal area. Next, run the engine in gear as in a normal operation. It is normal at this time to notice a very fine spray or mist coming from the seal and some carbon dust, as the PSS requires a break-in period (see below). The PSS should not be leaking at rest and should never spray more than just a fine spray or mist.

Break-In Period

On average, the PSS requires approximately one (1) hour of break-in time, which allows the carbon flange to polish the mating face of the stainless steel rotor. During the break-in period, you will experience a very fine mist, sometimes associated with black dust coming from the PSS. Under normal conditions, this will stop after an average of one (1) hour running time.

Copyright © PSS Seal, LLC. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of PSS Seal, LLC.

PSS Seal, LLC. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the contents herein and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. In addition, PSS Seal, LLC. reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof.