Sterngland packing question

[Tarka1]

I have just repacked the sterngland and have a question regarding the way that grease is injected. The grease is injected 2/3 of the way along the gland, do I need to make a hole in the packing so that the grease can get to the shaft or will it find its own way through the packing?

 

[tyce]

nope you dont want to be making a hole in the packing, if you have used correct packing, it is self lubricating to a degree, and the grease will work its way down, remember dont overtighten allow a drip of water through every few seconds so it does not overheat

 

[jay]

The survey done when i purchased the boat said to repack my sterngland. At prsent 5 hours engine use is resulting in about 2 gallons of water in the bilge. Is that acceptable (dont laugh). Theres negligble leakage when the prop isnt running. Do I need to repack - if so where do I start?