While I was a mechanic we replaced several PSS (seals) that were emergency repairs, meaning the boat was hot-footing it back to the lift where we were waiting to haul them. Each time (4), twice with the same guy, we had to un-couple the shafts, pull them back 12" and put new seals on. These boats were on a river. EVERY time there was a problem with the seals, we discovered MUD in the seal holders, which cut off the supply of cooling water. And each time the customer claimed we were full of it...... untill we took apart the various coolers and dumped out mud. These dummies were rafting-up in shallow water then starting their engines and sucking in mud through the system.
My average repair bill was around $2000
Here's the setup on my boat.... 3/8" hose coming from a barb on the oil cooler, stbd engine, goes to one side of stbd shaft seal. Then 3/8" hose continues out other side and runs to one side of port shaft seal. Then continues on to the opposite end of the port oil cooler, if that make sense! While you shouldn't be running on only one engine, if you do the water should still be pumping or sucking through both seals.
Word of advice.....always put an extra seal (not the whole unit) on each shaft!!!!!!! That way, should one burn out while underway you could put the new one on if your handy and have access.
Twice a year, as part of routine maintenance I pull the hose off the port engine to make sure there's plenty of flow from the stbd side through both shaft seals.
Instalation is a breeze, as long as you can easily pull your shaft back
I find a lot of piece of mind knowing my bilge is Completely dry, and if I should notice some water I'll know right away something is leaking somewhere.
Ron
