Scheduled Maintenance

1. Check the water injection system on each engine at the start of the season and every six months.

• Before starting the engines, loosen the 2 hose clamps on the water injection fitting hose connected to the shaft seal water injection fittings and "snap" the black plastic cap (attached to the base of the injection fitting) over the top of the injection fitting.
• Hold the water injection hose in a bucket and have a mate start the engine. Water should begin flowing through the hose and into the bucket. Have the mate run the engine up through the RPM range to make sure a steady flow of water moves through the hose at all times. You should be getting a minimum of 1 gallon (4 litres) per minute at idle.
• If the flow of water appears restricted or slows at any point in the power range, shut off the engine. Then, locate the source of the water in the engines raw water cooling system and remove the water injection hose. Water should flow freely. If not, inspect the pickup point for debris and check the hose for a blockage. Once water flow is appropriate, re-attach the hose and clamps atthe water pcikup point. Tighten the clamps.
• Check the hose route to make certain it is free from any sharp bends or kinks.
• Shut down the engine if it is running. Remove the black plastic cap from the shaft seal injection fitting and re-install the hose and clamps. Tighten the clamps.
• Repeat the above steps for the second engine if applicable.

2. Periodically inspect the shaft seal for signs of water drips.

• Wipe the underside of the shaft seal with your hand. Look for signs of salt residue or moisture. Remove deposits with a dry cloth and check the unit again after the next use. If deposits return have the mate inspect the unit when the vessel is underway.

3. I winterize my boat every fall. What special steps do I have to take to winterize my shaft seals?

• Tides shaft seals require NO raw water to be left in the seal. The raw water system needs to be flushed with a 50% antifreeze mixture until you see antifreeze running out of the stern tubes.

Belts and Suspenders

1. Place a bilge "diaper" or cloth in the bilge under the shaft seal and inspect after each trip.

Cautions

1. If water finds it's way into the bilge near the shaft seal, remember that there are several points in any vessel which can be the culprit. If the shaft seal appears dry, check other through hulls, the air conditioning system and  the generator for signs of leaking.