stuffing box

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Dave70

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Hello,on my1972 Ocean 30 one stuffing box was leaking [quite a lot] while stationary,tightened largish round flange nut [gently] which has stopped the leak,but what I need to know is should they drip when under way? as I understand some are designed not to any help/ advice appreciated.cheers in advance Dave
 
May - or may not - drip. The important thing is that it does not run hot. If you can put your hand on it when running it is cool enough as that indicates water is keeping the packing cool. usually do drip a bit, though.
 
Agree with Tranona

I usualy have about a saucer full of drips after say 3 hrs of shaft/engine running, mine is hot enough to grip firm with my hand,if you can not grip it then it's to hot!.
 
There is guidance around which suggests a drip or two every minute while running, subject to the temperature 'grip test' mentioned, is about right. It is also VIP to ensure the necessary grease-lubrication is maintained, should your installation have such a facility. Do you give a quarter-turn on the greaser screw-pump every couple of hours' running? Is there plenty of suitable grease in the chamber? When was the packing cord last replaced...?
 
I thought greaser was to stop the drip at rest and it was the water that lubricated?

We get a few more drips but it's a 1.75" prop shaft, always get a lot more if we run vigorously astern or do lots of ahead/astern changes.
 
Thanks everybody,I will do a "grip" test when next running,she is coming out of water soon, so I will check all suggestions, I do maintain the greaser.cheers Dave
 
You say flange nut? Is this one nut that surrounds the shaft or is there a nut on each side? If there is a nut on each side then it is important that you tighten the bridge down evenly so as to avoid damage. If it is one nut around shaft this will obviously tighten evenly automatically. Dont worry about dripping packing glands until they start to stream constantly. Slightly undertight is far preferable to overtight as overtight will dammage the shaft.
 
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