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SKF

SKF Simplex Compact C200

The SKF Simplex Compact C200 is a compact stern‑tube seal for a 200 mm shaft, delivering low‑friction, water‑tight sealing in marine propulsion systems.

Inspector Detail

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Common issues

Seawater ingress past the aft lip from lip wear, hardening or contamination of the lubricating oil/water
Oil leakage from the forward seal into the engine room bilge
Lip overheating from loss of lubrication during extended dead-slow or stopped-shaft periods
Debris, fishing net fragments or rope damaging the seal running surface
Shaft liner scoring or poor surface finish accelerating lip wear
Excess axial or radial shaft movement causing uneven lip loading and premature wear

Inspection checklist

Check header tank oil level and top up if low
Inspect drain/monitoring point for oil sheen or water traces
Check for abnormal noise or vibration from the seal housing while turning the shaft
Inspect the shaft liner running surface for grooving, pitting or scoring where accessible
Confirm seal housing bolts and any gland packing are tight
Review oil sample analysis for water contamination trend
Confirm header tank breather/vent line is clear
Full lip condition check at drydocking (limited access afloat)

Service intervals

Header tank oil level check	daily to weekly, per PMS
Oil sample / condition check	every 3-6 months, or per class recommendation
Header tank oil renewal	annually, or per manufacturer recommendation - confirm in manual
Full seal lip renewal	typically at drydocking (roughly 2.5-5 years), condition dependent

Typical wear limits

Lip seal running surface wear	renew on visible grooving or once leakage exceeds an acceptable drip rate - confirm the exact figure against the maker's own limits
Shaft liner diametral wear	assess against class/maker wear tables for a 200 mm shaft class - no single generic figure applies

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

Complete lip seal ring set (forward and aft)
O-rings and gaskets for the seal housing
Header tank oil, type as specified by the seal manufacturer
Shaft liner wear sleeve/repair ring, if fitted
Stand-by seal element suitable for underwater/diver fitting

Safety

Enclosed space entry risk when accessing the shaft tunnel/stern tube area
Pressurised header tank line - relieve pressure before opening
Slip/fall hazard from oil leakage in the bilge around the seal housing

Class survey

Stern tube seals of this class are normally examined at each drydocking/special survey; class will expect header tank oil/water sample records and leak-rate logs as evidence, and may accept in-water survey for continuous-service arrangements where approved.

Estimated lifetime: Compact lip-type stern tube seals of this size typically serve 20,000-40,000 running hours or roughly 2.5-5 years between drydock renewals, strongly dependent on lubrication quality and shaft alignment - confirm against SKF's own service data