What type do i have and how often should it be serviced?

benchmark

benchmark

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I am not sure what type of packing og glands i have . They have been there since the boat was commissioned in 2010. No drips so far and everyting runs well. How often does it meed to be taken apart and/or replaced. Do i wait till it starts dripping.
I will appreciate any expert advice thanks

Picture link:

http://www.baadgalleri.dk/galleri/storbilledevisning/20632-ocqueteau_815?n=101904
20632-ocqueteau_815
 
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Looks like just a normal stuffing box. It is adjusted by tightening the two nuts which compress the packing. If it does not leak or run hot then needs nothing doing. If it does start to drip because the packing is wearing tighten the nuts a little till it stops.
 
Thanks for the reply, i was in doubt if this type needed any routine service or changing of parts. I will wait until starts dripping.
 
Best practice might be every 3-5 years, leaving room for adjustment and of course following the correct packing procedure (cut angles and 180o offset from the last.
 
Best you change it then. It doesn't just need changing when it starts to drip and the adjustment is gone. It's also a lubricant for the shaft which goes through it. It will likely be pretty badly worn in there.
Also, unless you have had the boat from new, the history and perhaps previous owners workmanship is an unknown. Believe it or not, it isn't unknown for some mechanics or self service rs to simply replace the top one or two coils of packing (depending on the type of packing and gland)
 
QBhoy said:
Best you change it then. It doesn't just need changing when it starts to drip and the adjustment is gone. It's also a lubricant for the shaft which goes through it. It will likely be pretty badly worn in there.
Also, unless you have had the boat from new, the history and perhaps previous owners workmanship is an unknown. Believe it or not, it isn't unknown for some mechanics or self service rs to simply replace the top one or two coils of packing (depending on the type of packing and gland)
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That is a rather pessimistic view. If there is any wear it will show immediately in a leak - which does not seem to be happening. Then the first action is to nip it up. If this does not work then is the time to think of repacking. There is no specific time frame for repacking - depends entirely on the amount of wear.
 
Tranona said:
That is a rather pessimistic view. If there is any wear it will show immediately in a leak - which does not seem to be happening. Then the first action is to nip it up. If this does not work then is the time to think of repacking. There is no specific time frame for repacking - depends entirely on the amount of wear.
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May sound pessimistic...but it's accurate I'm afraid. Most best engineering practices sound pessimistic ! Doesn't mean you ignore them.
As mentioned, it's not just to keep the water out !
400 hours is time enough to replace it, rest assured.
 
QBhoy said:
May sound pessimistic...but it's accurate I'm afraid. Most best engineering practices sound pessimistic ! Doesn't mean you ignore them.
As mentioned, it's not just to keep the water out !
400 hours is time enough to replace it, rest assured.
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I am afraid I have to disagree, unless you have evidence that there is any danger of failing.

The packing wears very slowly and any wear is obvious in leakage which the OP does not have. Then there is a large reserve of adjustment available.

Rules of thumb such as you seem to be relying on rarely stand up to rigorous scrutiny.
 
Tranona

Only referring to best engineering practice and offering advice as a professional engineer with more experience with this kind of thing than most. I can't believe you are stating publicly that the packing doesn't need changed after the hours notched up, never mind anything else. I'm not suggesting that some, perhaps most guys like you might get away with it. But doesn't make it right. Your scrutiny is welcomed anytime. It's a shame that guys like yourself are offering such poor advice to people with little knowledge on the subject. Let's hope the OP and any future in lookers, don't take heed of it !
 
QBhoy said:
Tranona

Only referring to best engineering practice and offering advice as a professional engineer with more experience with this kind of thing than most. I can't believe you are stating publicly that the packing doesn't need changed after the hours notched up, never mind anything else. I'm not suggesting that some, perhaps most guys like you might get away with it. But doesn't make it right. Your scrutiny is welcomed anytime. It's a shame that guys like yourself are offering such poor advice to people with little knowledge on the subject. Let's hope the OP and any future in lookers, don't take heed of it !
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I asked you for evidence that packing is worn out and needs replacing after 400 hours and you failed to provide it. Just claiming that you know best without evidence is not helpful.

The reason why this type of seal is used in this application is that it is long lasting, wears very slowly if at all, and has adequate reserves of adjustment. Servicing requires observing for excessive dripping, then adjusting to reduce. If adjustment does reduce dripping then it is probably time to repack. There is never any danger of catastrophic failure. I have never seen any recommendation for repacking after any prescribed period of running - only when adjustment does not work.

But of course if you have any verifiable evidence to the contrary I am sure others would be as interested to see it as well.
 
Tranona said:
I asked you for evidence that packing is worn out and needs replacing after 400 hours and you failed to provide it. Just claiming that you know best without evidence is not helpful.

The reason why this type of seal is used in this application is that it is long lasting, wears very slowly if at all, and has adequate reserves of adjustment. Servicing requires observing for excessive dripping, then adjusting to reduce. If adjustment does reduce dripping then it is probably time to repack. There is never any danger of catastrophic failure. I have never seen any recommendation for repacking after any prescribed period of running - only when adjustment does not work.

But of course if you have any verifiable evidence to the contrary I am sure others would be as interested to see it as well.
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Evidence ? Have a listen to yourself man. What are you on about. Do you think I walk about carrying old worn strands of shaft packing.
Jesus Christ. Widen up man.
I give in. There is no telling guys like you. Let's move on.
 
You probably missed it earlier, but it's not just to stop the gland leaking. Other properties and indications are also given....you likely won't believe me though. Suit yourself. Just offering good advice. You follow your own methods and keep up the keyboard warrior status. The rest of us will be in the real world.
All he best.
 
You also probably didn't read the bit about on occasion, just the top one or two strands are replaced.
The OP has no idea of its internal condition.
THIS IS THE MAIN INTERFACE BETWEEN YOU AND THE SEA ! Why mess about ?
 
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