Any advice for replacing a stuffing box?

[Boater On Thames]

I think I need to replace the propeller stuffing box as the venting water pipe fitting broken and the rusted part in the stuffing box can't remove!. That venting water pipe fitting actually broke almost 2 years ago. I was just too lazy to remove the rusted part in there, so I just using some tape roll stuck in the hole to stop the water coming out from it. I am now trying to remove the rusted part hose tail but no luck. Looks like need to replace the whole stuffing box.

Should I continue using tradition stuffing box or replace a new style dropless shaft seal? What will you do? Thanks.

 

[Machaseo]

I have had good results over the years with PPS seals, you have the ability to mount spare seals in carriers on the shaft that you can change out on the fly.
Ultimately comes down to personal preference.

 

[AndieMac]

I think I need to replace the propeller stuffing box as the venting water pipe fitting broken and the rusted part in the stuffing box can't remove!. That venting water pipe fitting actually broke almost 2 years ago. I was just too lazy to remove the rusted part in there, so I just using some tape roll stuck in the hole to stop the water coming out from it. I am now trying to remove the rusted part hose tail but no luck. Looks like need to replace the whole stuffing box.

Should I continue using tradition stuffing box or replace a new style dropless shaft seal? What will you do? Thanks.

Be careful with the vent tube, make a proper way to seal it up until you slip the boat, they have been known to sink boats with water ingress.

 

[jim.howes]

You should be able to drill out the remains of the (should not be there) rusted part , re tap the hole and replace with non ferrous fitting. Wait until boat is out of water, withdraw shaft, remove stuffing box packing before commencing work to drill out old fitting. Not really a difficult job if you have a little space.

 

[Boater On Thames]

Good inputs. Thanks.
I am now using a screw extractor stuck in the hole. I am also trying to find a plastic fitting to fit in that hole without removing the rusted part inside see if that can fix it or not. But looks like can't be done when the boat still on the water.
The boat is 42 feet. I will need to wait until winter to stand her on land to do all jobs together as I also need to fix the propeller.

 

[Boater On Thames]

I see a Volvo Penta dropless Rubber Stuffing Box. It doesn't need a venting pipe, and it looks very simple. Is it good?

 

[jim.howes]

I would stay with what you have, just do the job properly.