Stuffing box how to pack?

[Stonemonkey]

Need help to understand how to fix a leak. I’m new into sailing, owning my first boat (build in 76) for the second year. I attached a photo with what I understood is called a stuffing box. Initially I removed the tube and pumped grease into it through the nipple till it came out pushing the black seal out too. Reading on internet I understood that I need to repack the gland, but in all the materials I followed there was a nut. Any ideas on how to fix this type of box without replacing it entirety? I’m trying to avoid disconnecting the propeller shaft because that is complicated due to the rudder which staid in its way etc etc.

 

[Tranona]

That is not a stuffing box but an oil filled shaft seal. Should not be pumped with grease. It needs removing, stripping down cleaning and new seals. Alternative is to replace it with something like this
sillette.co.uk/catalogue.pdf#page=17

 

[Stonemonkey]

Thanks for the clarification. Much probably a replace is going to happen, hard to find the seals.

 

[penfold]

There are seals of that type that are grease lubricated rather than with oil, what is at the other end of the tube will give the answer to that; a header tank for oil, a grease cup or a screw-down reservoir for grease. The seals will be a standard size, replacements are available off the shelf.

 

[Stonemonkey]

Ok, I’ll take it off and see what’s in there.Thanks again for helping understand what I’m dealing with.

 

[tillergirl]

Have a look at Stern glands

Vyv's website will give you a lot of background.

 

[Tranona]

You may find it is made by Bukh. The seals will be standard sizes if you want to replace them. You might find this earlier thread on the subject useful
forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/oil-fed-stern-gland.484639/

 

[vyv_cox]

Have a look at Stern glands

Vyv's website will give you a lot of background.

Thanks for the steer.

Look under lip seals on my website. The beauty of this type of gland is that the lip seals are automotive types, cheap to replace. You may well be able to buy them locally but if not look at Simply Bearings.

 

[dragoon]

If the lip seal has a spring fitted on the inner lip, make sure to replace the seal with one that has a STAINLESS spring fitted. That is not the default and usually has to be specified. There are also different types of rubber used in lip seals - any supplier may be able to identify the type from the old seal, or guide you on suitable materials for the application.

 

[superheat6k]

If you are going to change it then I would suggest you go for PSS and enjoy dry bilges as a result.

 

[john_morris_uk]

If you are going to change it then I would suggest you go for PSS and enjoy dry bilges as a result.

I’ll vote for that too. We’ve used PSS seals on our last couple of boats and they’re maintenance drip free. The Volvo lip seals come recommended by many too.

 

[vyv_cox]

A PSS is a considerable expense compared with a couple of lip seals. The type owned by the OP is perfectly satisfactory with proven longevity provided the shaft is not worn and even then there are ways to overcome the problem.

 

[john_morris_uk]

A PSS is a considerable expense compared with a couple of lip seals. The type owned by the OP is perfectly satisfactory with proven longevity provided the shaft is not worn and even then there are ways to overcome the problem.

True. As ever, you pay your money and make your choice. If he can fit new lip seals then it might make for a very economic repair. He might alter the length of the special rubber hose to get the lip seals to bear on a new bit of the shaft? He might also consider renewing that hose and it is worth noting that those bits of hose are NOT standard rubber hoses but ones specially made for that situation. Readily availably, but slightly more expensive than just a bit of rubber hose... eg stuffing-box-hose. other suppliers available...