Bertram33 User Forum

Does anyone know the outside diameter of the shaft log of the 79 FBC? Mine has been converted to Cat 3116's and the stuffing boxes and logs are almost inaccessable. I plan to install dripless shaft seals and would like to order them before I pull up the deck. Any ideas? Frank

Sorry I can't help you on size because mine FBC is a 1988. Are you talking about pulling the cockpit deck? The reason I'm asking is because you get to my shaft logs from the cabin. I don't have to pull my deck. Buzz

On my 78 FBC pulling the deck will not allow ANY access to the shaft logs. The fiberglass tank above them is glassed to the bulkhead. I'm assuming that with the repower the shafts were replaced & are in good shape. Instead of dripless, you might consider using Goretex packing. You must get the shaft clean before using the Goretex. If you don't, the packing will be sliced up by the corrosion. A few years back when I replaced the fuel tank, I went with the Goretex. I've only had to slightly tighten one shaft since then. Al P.S. Welcome to the site.

I agree with the 2 statements above. There is no access to the shaft logs (or any other part of the engine room) by pulling the cockpit sole. Yo also need to know what your shaft size is. From the factiry they were inch and 3/8's. Were they changed when the re-power was done?

When repowered the shafts were replaced with 1.75 in. The new engines are longer than the original 454's. I can barely reach the packing nut with my hand. I was unable to put calipers on the shaft log. Thanks for any advice. Frank