Boater On Thames
Well-Known Member
Trying to repack the stuffing box. But can't move but because it's too old I think. All copper parts turned green. I think it has not been repackaged for many years already. Any advice? Thanks
Stuffing box nut stuck
- Thread starter Boater On Thames
- Start date
scottie
Well-Known Member
Check for locking nut?
burgundyben
Well-Known Member
Withdraw the shaft , remover the whole assembly, either use heat to free it off or bin it and get a Tides Marine or similar.
Boater On Thames
Well-Known Member
Yes, looks like have to replace it as it is too old. Will try to withdraw the shaft myself tomorrow. Thanks.
AndieMac
Well-Known Member
Is the stuffing box one large single nut with another nut a few inches aft?
If so, as Scottie mentioned, you need to loosen the aft locking nut by turning it to the right, or clockwise. It will move aft, then the forward nut/gland will turn anti-clockwise forward, until it comes off. Inside the large nut/gland is the packing.
Usually owners have two special large spanners to hold each nut and turn the aft one clockwise, while holding the forward one still, another option are two large stillson pipe wrenches.
To withdraw the shaft you will have to release the prop shaft coupling from the shaft itself near the gearbox, which will require specialised pulling tools.
The fittings will be bronze, and the verdigris (green crust) is normal.
If so, as Scottie mentioned, you need to loosen the aft locking nut by turning it to the right, or clockwise. It will move aft, then the forward nut/gland will turn anti-clockwise forward, until it comes off. Inside the large nut/gland is the packing.
Usually owners have two special large spanners to hold each nut and turn the aft one clockwise, while holding the forward one still, another option are two large stillson pipe wrenches.
To withdraw the shaft you will have to release the prop shaft coupling from the shaft itself near the gearbox, which will require specialised pulling tools.
The fittings will be bronze, and the verdigris (green crust) is normal.
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Boater On Thames
Well-Known Member
Yes, there is a locking nut. The problem is I can't make any of them move at all. I used two 18" pipe wrenches, one on the nut, another on the locking nut. I used all my strength to hammer or kick it, no movement at all. So I decided to replace them. I release all the clips, measured the stern tube size to be around 76mm. Now searching for a new seal box to replace. Likely will buy a Tides Marine as it looks good.
The next challenge like you mentioned will be to withdraw the shaft. Will try by myself first.
The next challenge like you mentioned will be to withdraw the shaft. Will try by myself first.
scottie
Well-Known Member
Just confirm that you cab remove shaft easily preferably without taking prop off or the job turns into major drama
Boater On Thames
Well-Known Member
The two propellers already removed and sent to repair.
AndieMac
Well-Known Member
This could be a chance to inspect the condition of the cutless bearings, while the shaft/s are out, they will either be worn away creating lateral movement of the shaft, or they can delaminate internally causing binding on the shafts. While things are stripped down, it’s worth looking at doing all the issues at once.
As mentioned previously, heat or soaking the packing gland in penetrating oil can help release the locking nut.
It sounds like this installation has been in service for quite a few years, don’t be surprised if you have a degree of crevice corrosion on the shaft, around where the shaft and packing gland meet. Depending on the severity of the pitting, this can also cause the stuffing box to leak into the boat.