Brass water intake ring adjustment

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Mar 26, 2012
108
Macgregor 26M Cave Run Lake (KY)
Just bought a 1993 Hunter 27 with a Yanmar diesel 9 HP motor. It requires adjusting a brass ring for water cooling, on the propeller drive shaft. The seller described the procedure to adjust water intake to 4 drops per minute. Should I do this every time I go out or adjust it once, lock it down with the lock nut, and leave it for the season? Thanks!
 
May 24, 2004
7,175
CC 30 South Florida
Adjust it once and then leave it alone until the drip becomes excesively frequent. Could be a season or 3 or 4. That brass assembly is called a "packing gland" or "stuffing box". On the inside a packing material or "flax" is compressed to create a seal. This material is lubricated but a drip of water cools the shaft from ensuing friction. There comes a time after some years when the "flax" dries up and hardens and no mater how much you adjust the box you are not able to regulate the drip. At that time the "flax" needs replacement. They come in different sizes. If you have never adjusted one before go to the archives or Google the internet on how to do it. Ideally the drip should occur when the shaft is rotating and not at rest.
 
Mar 26, 2012
108
Macgregor 26M Cave Run Lake (KY)
Adjust it once and then leave it alone until the drip becomes excesively frequent. Could be a season or 3 or 4. That brass assembly is called a "packing gland" or "stuffing box". On the inside a packing material or "flax" is compressed to create a seal. This material is lubricated but a drip of water cools the shaft from ensuing friction. There comes a time after some years when the "flax" dries up and hardens and no mater how much you adjust the box you are not able to regulate the drip. At that time the "flax" needs replacement. They come in different sizes. If you have never adjusted one before go to the archives or Google the internet on how to do it. Ideally the drip should occur when the shaft is rotating and not at rest.
Thank you ever so much. Smooth sailing!
 
Jan 4, 2007
406
Hunter 30 Centerport
Welcome to the Hunter Owners Web....
Just a point of interest and or safety....all below the water fittings must be BRONZE or marrilon plastic. As you boat ages you probably have to replace some of the thru hulls and or valves. Brass is soft and will corrode quickly in salt water possibly resulting in the sinking of your pride and joy.........
 
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