Carolena
Guru
We just installed a new PYI on our boat. The original was around 10 years old, which is when they recommend replacement. It probably would have lasted much longer but for one very scary incident. The hose clamps on the stern tube end had worked loose and the bellows rotated along with the graphite ring. This caused the cooling line to wrap around the shaft, cutting off the flow of the cooling water, which resulted in a major overheat. This happened at the end of a several day long trip as we put the boat up on plane to blow out the engine (we had been running around 8-9 knots for several days, and this happened at 14 knots). By the time we noticed the smell of burning plastic and opened up the hatch to the shaft log there was smoke pouring out. Took four gallons of water poured on the shaft and seal before it stopped steaming to the point where I could touch it. Lesson learned - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THOSE HOSE CLAMPS AS REGULAR MAINTENANCE.
As to the strength and quality of the unit, I was actually able to get it back in place and readjusted to the the point where we were only getting a few drips at low RPM. This allowed us to get back to the dock. I replaced the whole unit with the help of a friend while the boat was in the water. I don't recommend this, but the bilge pump had no problem keeping up while we swapped parts (about an hour), plus we had another pump standing by. I also had to replace the inner cutless bearing becuase the rubber had melted from the heat. So far no problems. Checking the bellows clamps is a noted maintenance item, as is readjusting the ring if it starts to leak at speed, so I blame this one on myself. Worst part is I spent hours in the ER tightening every engine clamp when we bought the boat last year, but never got around to checking the clamps on the shaft seal.
As to the strength and quality of the unit, I was actually able to get it back in place and readjusted to the the point where we were only getting a few drips at low RPM. This allowed us to get back to the dock. I replaced the whole unit with the help of a friend while the boat was in the water. I don't recommend this, but the bilge pump had no problem keeping up while we swapped parts (about an hour), plus we had another pump standing by. I also had to replace the inner cutless bearing becuase the rubber had melted from the heat. So far no problems. Checking the bellows clamps is a noted maintenance item, as is readjusting the ring if it starts to leak at speed, so I blame this one on myself. Worst part is I spent hours in the ER tightening every engine clamp when we bought the boat last year, but never got around to checking the clamps on the shaft seal.
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