Ultra-X...does it contain corrosion-causing graphite?

[VF84Sluggo]

Reading about stuffing box packing in this thread:

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=159570

...there was mention of avoiding packing that contains graphite. Maine Sail posted some great info about the damage that can be caused.

It was then mentioned that 'Ultra-X' is a very good packing material choice. However, the last poster in the thread asked this about Ultra-X: "Isn't Ultra-X also a graphite-impregnated packing? And if so, wouldn't the same issues that MaineSail cautions against apply to this packing as well?" No answer was given, and the thread died a year ago.

Well, after following the link in post #9, and then 'googling' Ultra-X, it does indeed look like Ultra-X contains graphite. So, I'm kind of wondering the same thing that the last posted asked.

As Seinfeld would say, "What is the deal?"

 

[Maine Sail]

Yes it is a graphite impregnated packing..

 

[VF84Sluggo]

Thanks. So, then, Ultra-X is to be avoided, unless you have an Aquamet shaft (http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=159570&#post1090387)?

Sorry for the newb questions...but hey, I'm a newbie when it comes to sailboat maintenance.

 

[Maine Sail]

Thanks. So, then, Ultra-X is to be avoided, unless you have an Aquamet shaft (http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=159570&#post1090387)?

Sorry for the newb questions...but hey, I'm a newbie when it comes to sailboat maintenance.

I won't use it unless I know the vessel has an Aqualoy or Aquamet shaft. It can also increase anode erosion speed..

 

[VF84Sluggo]

Very good, thanks much.

From my forum searching, I realize this subject has been beaten to death. However, some of the thread info is dated (as far back as year 2000), so I'm having a little trouble getting a handle on what packing material is "best."

Certainly that will be subjective, but I see some folks strongly recommend teflon material, some do not. Some say there should be drips, some say not. Some say drips only when the shaft is rotating; some say not only that, but also some when the shaft is not rotating (like found the text in the Catalina 34 Owner's Manual on the C34 forum... 4.4.3 "A PROPERLY ADJUSTED SHAFT PACKING GLAND SHOULD DRIP SLIGHTLY (FROM 4 TO 10 PER MINUTE) WITH THE ENGINE OFF.")

Just a bit confused here....

 

[MSter]

Hey Sluggo,
checkout the article on repacking a traditional stuffing box in the Maine Sail "Marine How To" . See link below.

http://www.marinehowto.com

You have to scroll down to find it.
Regards & Good Luck
.Mike

 

[VF84Sluggo]

Good stuff, thanks much!

Looking up info about Gore GFO, I found this:

"GFO Allows Bilges To Stay Dry

Since GFO fiber dripless packing is four times more thermally conductive than flax, it needs virtually no sea water for lubrication or cooling. And, because it doesn’t swell or shrink, leakage is controlled and kept to an absolute minimum. In fact, you’ll notice that your bilge is dry and cleaner, because this remarkable packing gland hardly ever drips. It’s so conformable and flexible that it will solve most perpetual problem leakers, too."

This was found here: http://gfopacking.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQ...iypSm80vVITJT6usXDP5BkG8zVLlzDkMAgaAvl78P8HAQ

I can see where someone would assume that there should be no water drips, that this packing doesn't need it.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

"GFO Allows Bilges To Stay Dry

Since GFO fiber dripless packing is four times more thermally conductive than flax, it needs virtually no sea water for lubrication or cooling. And, because it doesn’t swell or shrink, leakage is controlled and kept to an absolute minimum. In fact, you’ll notice that your bilge is dry and cleaner, because this remarkable packing gland hardly ever drips. It’s so conformable and flexible that it will solve most perpetual problem leakers, too."

From a number of manufacturer's articles, I get the impression that GFO also contains graphite. Certainly can't find that in the GFO literature.

http://www.rexseal.com/products/gland-packing/gfo-gore-s-ptfe-graphite-packing-ri-45.html

http://www.fluidsealingsupply.com/sepco-ml4002-packing.html

If so, proabaly best to avoid unless you have an Aquamet or better shaft.

 

[Maine Sail]

From a number of manufacturer's articles, I get the impression that GFO also contains graphite.

http://www.rexseal.com/products/gland-packing/gfo-gore-s-ptfe-graphite-packing-ri-45.html

http://www.fluidsealingsupply.com/sepco-ml4002-packing.html

If so, proabaly best to avoid unless you have an Aquamet or better shaft.

Any "marine" packing that is dark gray to black is graphite impregnated. GFO & Ultra X as well as GTU are all graphite impregnated packings. Some of it is made quite poorly while others are good quality with the graphite extruded into the yarns not just coated on afterwards.

Just remember graphite is the highest you will find on the galvanic scale. Everything below it is anodic....

 

[Alan Gomes]

Any "marine" packing that is dark gray to black is graphite impregnated. GFO & Ultra X as well as GTU are all graphite impregnated packings. Some of it is made quite poorly while others are good quality with the graphite extruded into the yarns not just coated on afterwards.

Just remember graphite is the highest you will find on the galvanic scale. Everything below it is anodic....

What is your recommendation, then, for packing to use in a conventional stuffing box? I've had good results with GTU in the past but don't want to push my luck.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Johnstone and I just had a PM exchange on this very subject.

SBO offers two options in teflon/fiber packing - no graphite.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/search.php?kw=shaft+packing takes you to the page

I ordered the Western Pacific synthetic/teflon whereas Johnstone has had success with the flax/teflon version.

Charles

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Johnstone and I just had a PM exchange on this very subject.

SBO offers two options in teflon/fiber packing - no graphite.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/search.php?kw=shaft+packing takes you to the page

I ordered the Western Pacific synthetic/teflon whereas Johnstone has had success with the flax/teflon version.

Charles

The stated advantage of the synthetic yarn/teflon over the flax/teflon is its ability to resist rot.

For whatever reason, my last charge of flax/teflon was three years old when changed and showed no sign of rot or deterioration which is most unusual. The current charge of flax/teflon is three years old and I'm shooting for five years with this stuff.

I admit, the lack of rot or deterioration with the flax leaves me baffled. And it's certainly not from clean living on my part.

 

[Charles Erwin]

I hope Maine Sail gives us his views here - most particularly because as I recall he has been engaged in developing something else altogether new.

To Ralph's point - I am also at a complete loss to understand how 'rot' could be any kind of threat.

But this is an experiment and I love being a victim. In short - I thought it might be interesting to try it out and report back the results to the rest of the folks that might be interested just in case the flax market collapses.

Chalres

 

[VF84Sluggo]

Gents, as the OP, thank you for weighing in on this subject! This is exactly the discussion I was hoping for as a newb to boat ownership.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

It Ain't Over Yet .....................

Gents, as the OP, thank you for weighing in on this subject! This is exactly the discussion I was hoping for as a newb to boat ownership.

................... and if you're confused now, just wait.

No, it's not quite that bad .

After talking to Charles, I believe he'll be contacting Western Pacific Trading to see if their synthetic yarn/teflon packing is graphite free. The material is called Tefpack and shown below. Will post the reply.

If graphite free, it may last even longer than simple flax/teflon packing.

 

[VF84Sluggo]

LOL...

I look forward to reading about Tefpack.

 

[MaineSabre42]

I know this is an old post, but I’m trying to find out more concrete info about TefPack, and was curious if anyone from this post ever got a conclusive answer from Western Pacific as to whether it contains graphite or not?

I would call them myself, but it appears they’re temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus situation.

thanks so much!

-Paul

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I would call them myself, but it appears they’re temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus situation.

I haven't been able to find any info from WPT lately. A few years ago they had an excellent web site but that seems to have disappeared.

 

[MaineSabre42]

I haven't been able to find any info from WPT lately. A few years ago they had an excellent web site but that seems to have disappeared.

That’s too bad. I feel like the stuff must have graphite in it, based on appearance, but I wish I knew for sure! I got a package of that and a package of the basic PTFE flax. I’m thinking I’ll use the flax to be safe, but guess I need to get some syntef lube as well?