Stuffing box

[Guest]

See my post below "shaft coupling". While the engine is out I'm thinking of completely re-packing the stuffing gland, although I have no evidence that it has been a problem - its just much easier to get to at the moment. OR should I change to a mechanical seal, like a "deep sea seal" ? - my boatyard say leave the stuffing box, its simple and reliable! Any suggestions??

 

[Guest]

Go with your boat yards advice. If the job needed doing I'm sure they would be only too keen to take money off you. Sounds like they are a decent outfit.

Regards,

Peter
http://www.mistressofmourne.com

 

[JimMcMillan]

when the engine is out repack,costs zilch and leave it..

 

[John7]

I used 'Drip Free' from West Marine. It uses the existing stuffing box and I found it a bit fiddly to get in, but not imposable. Once in, it replaces the 'old' packing, it is adjusted until there are no drips. It doesn't need the cooling or lubrication of water as it is unaffected by high temperature (you are OK as long as you can touch the stuffing gland). I’ve used it a full year and had no problems, no water in and no greasing. Worth it I found, much cheaper than a replacement to the stuffing gland and so far doing the same as a replacement would have done. Do a internet search to find other information

 

[VMALLOWS]

I can only agree with your boatyard. Why would anyone want to spend money replacing what is an extremely effective and simple engineering solution to stopping the sea coming in?

By all means experiment repacking the gland while out of the water.....you might be surprised how difficult the nuts can be to shift, largely because you can't get a decent spanner onto them. (I have fabricated my own special spanners, though I have seen purpose designed ones advertised in US catalogues). But if you do, make sure you check the gland when you launch.!!

 

[johnsomerhausen]

I'd go with my namesake's advice, except that there is an alternative which is a bit less expensive, i.e the packing material by W.L. Gore Asssociates (I think the URL is wlgore.com, but look it up with google). It's tje one I've used and it gives ecellenet results. The US Coast Guard uses it on some of their vessels.
john