Stern Gland

[Guest]

For all those with PSS. After a few accidents with cruising boats the standard way to fit them is to add 2 pipe clamps on the shaft behind the metal ring and say 1/8" away.

Put the screw for each on opposite sides.

Then when the locking screws come loose the ring can only move an 1/8". A simple visual check will determine if everything is still in place as it should be.

The problem is that the heating and cooling of the ring and shaft can loosen the screws.

As for heat, I have once had high pressure steam out of a vent on a PSS seal. The engine compartment turned black with a shower of fine particles. Do not allow anything to stop water getting to the seal. If you ever see a black fog other than just after fitting it stop the engine.

 

[Danny]

Thanks for that. I think I'll do it. Why two clamps? Is that for balance?

 

[Lizzie_B]

No it's not the same stuff at all. Completely different. I have heard a lot of mixed opinions about the West Marine Goo sticks.
The packing I'm talking about looks just like ordinary packing. It has been well tested in the commercial and military sectors.

I can try and find the web site for you.

 

[Guest]

Balance? I like that excuse. It is my obsession with not trusting just one of anything. We had 3 boats do the slipping ring trick during our travels.

The only thing we do not have 2 of is hulls.

 

[Lizzie_B]

found it...

see http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/gfopacking/packing.html

Know many people who have had installed for 5 years plus, trouble free and drip free.

I will be changing to it when current packing needs replacing /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[davidpbo]

I second that. Some replies were uncessarily impolite and contributed nothing to the subject of the thread.

 

[Guest]

Re: Stern Gland ..... STOP !

Overtight packing will cause excessive wear on the shaft creating a "ring" - then it will never seal properly and you'll have to eplace the shaft.

I would seriously consider taking the boat out of the water, with bent nail - hook out old packing and check shaft ... if not worn too much ... repack with new packing etc. and then make up sealing nut / ring etc. so that you have occasional drip. After bedding in - you will likely have to nip up the nut a touch to keep to just a drip ....

If its running hot - it's too tight, slackening of the nut will not sort it and injecting oil is a temp measure that will not solve it IMHO.

Sorry to be poster of bad news.

You may - if you know someone with experience with stern glands of this type - be able to resurrect while dried out .... but then you are tide restricted if solution not found before boat refloats ...

 

[Kawasaki]

Thanks SolarNeil, that makes perfect sense, perfectly described for a Celtic Cretin!
Also thanks to Lizzie_ B. Good info also.
Armed with this new knowledge a repack is on for tomorrow am.
Tides are falling but I should be on the mud for an hour and a bit.
Thanks again everybody. There,s a heck of a lot of experience on here. Great Stuff! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Danny]

[ QUOTE ]
It is my obsession with not trusting just one of anything.

[/ QUOTE ]So one of the clips backs up the other clip which backs up the ring? I thought from the fact that you made a point of having the clips' screws at 180 deg that this might be just to preserve the balance of the propshaft.

 

[sticky]

Lifted Arrow out this am and hooked out the packing, it appeared to be somewhat compressed. No sign of wear on shaft. Repacked and boat relaunched. Hours run gave no over heating on stern gland. Keeping fingers and legs crossed and will be checking on all motoring passages of 60 mins plus.

My thanks to all those with helpful and supportive advice and I hope starting this thread has been helpful particularly to Kawasaki, and maybe, to others later.

This forum is quite excellent for airing problems and getting an informed and helpful repsonse so quickly. Long may it continue in that vein and in no other!

 

[Kawasaki]

"Here Here"