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Proper installation is key

by Bill Ibsen

The Norscot Shaft Seal system is a premier shaft seal system on the market today, however, when improperly installed, issues can arise and cause the system to falter in its performance. Making sure it’s installed correctly will insure the integrity and reliability of the original installation for trouble-free service. 


Here are 3 of the most important criteria for a successful Norscot shaft seal installation to ensure optimum performance for many years: 

  1. Align your shaft
    Norscot Shaft Seals can compensate for a small amount of shaft misalignment but too much misalignment and excessive vibration will not allow our system to operate properly.  It can cause leaking, possible seawater intrusion and scoring inside the housing.  The overall condition of your shaft is one of the most common causes of issues with Norscot.
  2. Properly prepare your shaft
    A crucial step! You need to have the proper chamfer on the coupler end of your shaft unless it is tapered. This can be done by hand or by a machine shop. You have to make sure the shaft is free of corrosion, pitting, knicks, and sharp keyway edges. Make sure to mic your shaft to verify it is not out of round and/or the OD is within tolerance.  Finally, you need to properly prep the area where the housing will sit with 150 emory cloth. 
  3. No inclines in the reservoir tubing
    Making sure there are no inclines in the reservoir tubing is critical - The Norscot lubricant is gravity fed and the tubing must be in a descending position from reservoir to bronze housing and the fitting the tubing attaches to must be within the range of 10 - 2 o’clock. Noon position is ideal.  Not doing this could create a situation where there is no lubricant inside the housing.

PRO TIP: Final adjustment of the housing will insure the proper position of the housing. When our system is installed on the hard it will need a final adjustment after the boat is back in the water to compensate for slight movement of the hull. This can be more evident with larger boats.

Whether you’re a new or experienced boat owner, the integrity and performance of your Norscot system depends on proper and thorough installation. If you are enlisting the services of a mechanic, be sure to share these tips with them. The last thing you want is to have to haul the boat out again to correct any installation mistakes. This can prove costly, so save yourself the time, energy and investment by making sure it’s done right the first time.

We offer a complimentary installation consultation with you and/or your mechanic if needed. This can save you hours of frustration and cost. Schedule your complimentary installation today by calling or emailing us. Consultations can be for individuals or groups and happen via phone or video.


Happy Cruising!

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