Shaft seals 2007 310

[Lenny3]

So it looks like I will be replacing the Tides Marine shaft seal on the 310. I do have a spare seal on both shafts. (Port/Starboard)

Question is, has anyone ever successfully completed this job and if so, what all did you remove to gain access to them? Looks to me like removing both exhaust manifolds ( RH on Port and LH on Starboard Engine) will give you some room but not 100% sure.

I did call Tides Marine and they suggested I wrap a piece of crocus cloth around the shaft and try and slide it under the seal lip as debris can get caught in there and make them leak.

LK3

 

[JimG]

Watching

 

[Lenny3]

Ok, so, you all are telling me that nobody on here has ever changed a shaft seal on a 310, 320 or maybe a 340?

 

[Chris-380]

On my dock, in the 6 years I have slipped, we have had 4-380’s, 3-340’s and (knock on wood) all shaft seals are originals. We are the generation before you, 99-2002 models….

Ok, so, you all are telling me that nobody on here has ever changed a shaft seal on a 310, 320 or maybe a 340?

 

[Lenny3]

On my dock, in the 6 years I have slipped, we have had 4-380’s, 3-340’s and (knock on wood) all shaft seals are originals. We are the generation before you, 99-2002 models….

Wow! Now that’s interesting!

 

[Chris-380]

Wow! Now that’s interesting!

I thought I had an issue, but after riding in the engine room I found the water coming in from a loose blue block drain.
I had researched it a ton and in my area, even the shops hadn’t had much experience with it. We are at a small inland Midwest lake, but still, they seem pretty reliable.
Are you positive the seal is leaking?

 

[Chris-380]

Wow! Now that’s interesting!

I take that back, there were 4-340’s also along with 4-380’s

all no issues.

The 2-310’s both had out drives

 

[Lenny3]

Best I can tell it’s coming from the “seal area” (real hard to get a good look at it)
My OCD won’t allow a wet bilge. 2nd week of January is when I will tackle this job. I’ll will post my findings.

 

[dwna1a]

I have started using a bore scope to look at things like this. It’s just a suggestion.

 

[Chris-380]

Best I can tell it’s coming from the “seal area” (real hard to get a good look at it)
My OCD won’t allow a wet bilge. 2nd week of January is when I will tackle this job. I’ll will post my findings.

I researched everything, was planning it. Took one last ride with my buddy driving it… 380 is better for that part…. Just be positive. Double check all your engine drain plugs and hose connectors. It’s a lot of work on any boat,
But def more on a 310-340 model

 

[ttmott]

I replaced a seal in the water in the Bahamas on my 400DA with diesel engines. Some fishing line of some sort had gotten up there and ripped up the seal. It was a pouring leak so I had no choice. I suspect access to the seal on a straight six diesel is much better than a V8 Merc. Still it's no walk in the park. I would say that unless you have a leak that is pretty bad wait until you can pull the boat out of the water. If the seal is over six years old then I'd pull the shafts back and inspect the carrier, clean up the shaft, and replace all the seals and spares.

 

[Lenny3]

Ok so here’s the follow up on the shaft seal install.
I was ready to tackle the job myself as I found a way to access each side of the shaft with one hand only and mostly by feel. I was dreading the job but it needed to be done.

3 days before my scheduled haul out I was at the yard and met a local young boat mechanic. He couldn’t have weighed more than 150 lbs and skinny as a rail. I asked him if he was interested in the job and he said sure. Believe it or not he was able to squeeze himself down in the bottom of the boat and still working one handed he was able to replace the seal.