Can I tighten packing gland more or should I repack?

[pateco]

I am the new owner of a 1983 Hunter 31 that is leaking too much from the shaft seal/stuffing box. See picture below. It looks like there may be more room for adjustment, but the previous owner has warned me that there is not, and that I should repack with new flax. Based upon the picture, what do you think?

If you think I should repack, What size flax does it look like? SBO say 3/16" but that is for the original stuffing box. From the picture can anyone tell me if this is still the original?

To see the rest of the restoration work I am doing on her, please check out her Facebook page The Stargazer Adventure

 

[kito]

Next haul out I would replace. Flax is cheap. May want to invest in a new hose too. That one is getting a little too chubby.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Why would you want to chance scoring and damaging the shaft by not replacing the packing which is a simple task? Therein lies your answer.

 

[Calif. Ted]

With that many threads showing I'd normally assume plenty of room for adjustment, can't see where it would hurt to try. I'd take a rotary brass wire brush in an electric drill on slow to it first, it'll look like new and be easier to back off the locking nut. Usually only takes 1/4 turn or so to tighten. Someone made sure the hose clamps were plenty long enough didn't they ?

 

[kito]

If the PO warned you not to tighten then I am guessing he knows a little about it. Maybe tried himself already. There might be some threads left but that kind of depends on how many worn layers of flax is in there. I am sure there are some bad PO's that wouldn't bother pulling out the old and just stick in a new layer on top especially when on the water.

 

[Doug4bass]

Why would you want to chance scoring and damaging the shaft by not replacing the packing which is a simple task? Therein lies your answer.

I think that may be why he asked.

 

[smoothsailing]

I agree with all the replys. Looking at your pic I recommend this. (BTW this is what I also have done).

Replace the hose. Its cheap enough and prevents a sunken boat. Make sure that the clamps are stainless steel, not the cheap HOME DEPOT type. Don't skimp, use all 4.

Take the packing gland and move it up as far as it will go. By the looks of it the shaft may need cleaning.

Get yourself a cheap caliper from HARBOR FREIGHT. Measure the shaft dia. Then measure the shaft where the packing gland was to check for wear. If the difference is .05 or more your shaft needs to be replaced

If you can disconnect the shaft, move it up enough to remove the packing gland. Then soak the packing gland in vinegar and clean it up inside and out. You will be amazed, it will look brand new.

Here are some web sites to help you.

STEP BY STEP PACKING GLAND INSTRUCTIONS
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=1

FLAX
http://www.emarineinc.com/categories/GFO-Marine-Shaft-Packing/

GENERAL HELP
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

 

[pateco]

I did some work last night. I cleaned the shaft and soaked the packing gland in penetrating lubricant. I was then able to loosen the packing gland and clean the threads a little more. I then retightend, and the leak has been diminished greatly. I did not have time last night to actually replace the packing in the gland. I may be able to get to that on Friday or Saturday. the attached picture is part way through the process.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice job! BTDT, but it sure feels "just like home!" Same colors, too!

 

[pateco]

Same colors, too!

Not anymore. I forgot to take a final picture of last night's work, but the bilge was awash in lubricant so I cleaned the whole engine bilge. It looks a lot better now. I will take more pictures when I replace the flax.

 

[Ken13559]

Have some rags ready to wrap around the gland area when you repack. You'll find lots of water grushing in if you don't wrap some rags around it as you back out the nut and remove the old packings. If its your first time, good to have another person to give a hand 'cos you may have a "heart attack" if you're not prepared.

 

[Steve Walsh]

Glad you were able to tighten the packing gland, but don't underestimate how important it is to replace the stuffing box hose. Mine looked like that after 13 years and after removing, I was able to easily tear it open by hand with an easy twisting motion. I'll never forget the ripping sound it made when I twisted it by hand. Scary stuff.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have some rags ready to wrap around the gland area when you repack. You'll find lots of water grushing in if you don't wrap some rags around it as you back out the nut and remove the old packings. If its your first time, good to have another person to give a hand 'cos you may have a "heart attack" if you're not prepared.

Not really. Nothing more than a good small bilge pump won't keep up with. Your boat, your choice.

 

[pateco]

I changed the packing this weekend. below are before, during and after pictures, and a link to a short video. The previous owner had used just 2 layers of 1/4" graphite impregnated packing. I replaced with the specified 3 layers of 3/16" standard flax. The 1/4" was really too tight, and very difficult to remove. however, it does not look like the graphite caused too much corrosion. It did however cause definite staining on the shaft as you can see in the pictures. Now I just need to take it on a test run, and readjust for the correct drip. Thanks to everyone here for the advice and insights.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

VIDEO LINK
Repacking Video

 

[smoothsailing]

Looking at the photo with the gland opened, it looks like there is some wear on the shaft.

Did you take my suggestion on measuring the shaft for wear with calipers?

Also, did you check out this link for repacking a gland?

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=1

Bill

 

[pateco]

Looking at the photo with the gland opened, it looks like there is some wear on the shaft.

Did you take my suggestion on measuring the shaft for wear with calipers?

Also, did you check out this link for repacking a gland?

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=1

Bill

Bill,

I did not use calipers, but by touch, there was no apparent wear, However, there was obvious discoloration