which direction to install double lip seal?

[whosmatt]

in the process of replacing prop shaft seal. i got a kit for my motor... instead of 2 back to back seals like i took out, it came with a double lip seal. does it matter which way i install it? my manual still shows the double seal method. interestingly enough, the kit still has 2 back-to-back seals for the driveshaft<br /><br />thanks for your help!

 

[ob]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

whosmatt , does the double lip seal they sent have tension springs around the insert or is it all neoprene with a stainless jacket?

 

[whosmatt]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

it has tension springs on both sides.

 

[ob]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

As a rule you wouldn't have tension springs in contact with water on a propshaft seal.Is the jacket stainless?

 

[whosmatt]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

i don't know what the jacket is made of, it appears coated with something, doesn't look like metal at all. fyi the seals i took out each had a spring, so one was indeed in contact with the water, no corrosion or anything.

 

[ob]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

I would install the one you have with the jacket face toward water.You can confirm whether jacket material is coated stainless or mild steel by touching with magnet.May be composit material.Magnet will readily pull to mild steel and not to 302,304, or 316 stainless.

 

[whosmatt]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

now that i look at it more closeley, it appears that the jacket is coated with neoprene except for the back, so you are correct i want to install it with the face out.<br /><br />thanks

 

[clanton]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

If it is a one piece seal with an external spring<br />and an internal spring, The external spring faces outward on the prop shaft. You will be able to see the spring after installation. This seal is installed WITHOUT a sealer on the seal, Service Bulletin 2310 dated Feb 1997. Spray the rubber outside case with OMC DPL penetrating lubricant prior to installation.

 

[whosmatt]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

you guys rock. thanks so much. i got the seal in, had coated the inside of the bearing carrier with wd-40 when i was putting in the new bearing, and i put a thin coat of marine grease on the outside of the seal before pressing it in. i hope that's enough.<br /><br />clanton, can you post the text of that service bulletin? <br /><br />thanks<br />matt

 

[clanton]

Re: which direction to install double lip seal?

The SB only covered the use of the lubricant to install the seal. If you the use OMC sealer, sometimes the pressure in the gear case will push the seal out. I have a left over kit for a 40 hp with installation instruction. You want a copy of the bulletin e-mail Clanton@atlantic.net, I will try to scan you copy, if scanner will work, or mail you a copy.