Stern Gland Greaser Operation

[Badger]

I have only had boats before with a deep sea seal and so do not know much about how the stern gland greaser needs to operate.How often do you need to turn it and how do you re-fill it and what with. Also should there be a stuffing/packing box somewhere on the shaft and what does it look like and what do you stuff it with and how often ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifThanks for any help.

 

[CPD]

A turn every trip is what I have been told. Refill by unscrewing top of chamber into which handle/threaded shaft goes into. I fill with Ramonol (?) white grease. There will be a stuffing box where the shaft exits. Box is adjustable (either 2 nuts or 1 ring) to control drippage. Box contains "impregnated rope" material (wrapped in single segments around the shaft) which should be replaced (2-5 years or more) if drips become too frequent and tightening box doesnt help (boat out of thwe water job). If box is too tight then it will run hot which is not good. Hope that helps !

 

[irawnsley]

This may help:
http://www.alohaowners.com/pages/projects/stuffing/stuffing_box.htm

 

[MoodySabre]

the stern gland is at the end of the tube coming from the greaser,
read all about it here
http://www.diybob.com/diyPackingGland.htm

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I used to do a turn every trip, which I still do, as I do a set list of checks every day.

Also when motoring on a long passage, i check it every eight hours. Easy on new boat as it is right opposite the loo, so somewhere to sit !! It usually goes down about a full turn each time.

 

[Guest]

Most have given answer ...

My boat has 2 turns after every trip ... 1 turn before trip.

Greaser - once handle is fully screwed in - means it's empty ! So unscrew body of greaser leaving base plate behind. Now Grease to use is Trailer wheel bearing grease or other sold as waterproof high melting point grease. This stuff doesn't fly around the shaft bay like ordinary grease ! True - I didn't believe the sales guy when he said it - but true !

Now insert open end of graser into grease can ... hopefully it has a plate with central hole on top of the grease ? Then holding the body onto this - unscrew handle - this will then draw body down into the tin filling the body with an unbroken fill of grease ... once handle is fully wound out ... pull out of tin ... wipe of body and replace into base ... Wind handle in a couple of turns then to displace air ... done.

Number of times I see people with screwdrivers / bits of stick / other implements trying to fill these greasers !! Mucky and worst way to do it as so much air is then in the body of the greaser ...

Trick is to balance tightness of gland with a drip every few seconds of water ... and stop drip by 2 turns on the greaser. Then you know that a) water is getting to cool the gland ... b) it's not so tight to create a groove in shaft .... c) won't cause overheating of packing and dry the packing ...

 

[Badger]

Brilliant ! Thanks all very much for the info. Looks like I am going to get my hands dirty this weekend /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Caer Urfa]

I had a big flooding problem early this year with the stern gland when boat was put back into the water after re-fit.
Boat was taking a pint an hour through the stern Gland!
Never 'assume' that the grease is going into the stern gland,I thought it was untill I found out the old grease had blocked,Yes it can block if not used regulary.
I fitted new clear plastic tubing (instead of black) with new greaser and can now see the grease going down.
Agree with all and two turns after a boats day out.
Mike

 

[Guest]

Another is where the end of the grease tube comes adrift - happened twice to me when olive joint failed - you tend to forget how much pressure that greaser can exert on that joint !! Now I am careful to only do 2 turns and if I want more wait a bit till handle turns easy again.

 

[pmcdermott]

Reaplcement Stern Gland Greaser Knob?

It's a bit off-topic, but I'm looking for a replacement greaser knob, just like the one shown in Badger's engine photo. Anyone know a supplier?

 

[Richard10002]

On the same boat I have a look around the engine a couple of times a day when on passage, (something to do), and turn the greaser till I feel some resistance.

I also do it when I go to the loo, (something to do, and would feel guilty/worried if I didnt have a look and turn the greaser when it is so easy to do)

and a good job I do it this way!!!

A few nights ago, was busy doing my business, opened up the hatch, turned the greaser, and noticed the engine bay sloshing with water.

very worrying, (dare I say i nearly ***t myself) - tasted it, (the water!!!) - salty. had a good look round and saw no ingress from cocks, or gland. no leaks from freshwater cooling bit. Had a cup of coffee and a think. Had another look, and saw the finest jet of water from the copper pipe which feeds raw seawater from the gearbox to the impeller.

Had another think, knowing we werent sinking. Got some dinghy repair rubber and strapped it up - so far so good, but i've bought a few small jubilee clips to make a better job of it.

I guess what I am saying is that, whilst one grease per trip may be OK for the gland, it's a good idea to do it more often as it ensures that you are looking at the engine and likely to spot problems or symptoms.

Give it a turn every couple of hours - or you might not forgive yourself.

 

[Anonymous]

The purpose of the grease is to control the leakage and provide adequate lubrication. Ideally you should tighten the stern gland to a point where the friction is minimal and there are no leaks. Just at the moment I am in the lucky situation of having no leaks and no significant temperature rise (I use an infra red thermometer around the engine room every six hours or so including checking the stern gland, alternator, battery box, etc.). If you have to put lots of grease in to stop it leaking then first try tightening the gland, if there is no more thread left, then you'll have to re-stuff it (following links others have provided on this thread).

 

[l'escargot]

[ QUOTE ]
...(I use an infra red thermometer around the engine room every six hours or so including checking the stern gland, alternator, battery box, etc.)...

[/ QUOTE ]
I like that idea, I'm going to pinch it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif