Diesel Engine Shaft Seal Packing
- Thread starter Sail123
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There are plenty of how-to instructions on the internet. It's an easy job assuming you are referring to repacking the flax and can be done in the water with little water intrusion if you don't get it done before launch
Assuming you are not talking about the engine oil seal on the shaft. If it is the shaft seawater packing gland then DO NOT just add more packing, replace it all.
You will probably need to get a "Flax Extractor" tool - usually looks like a small cork screw. There is a flat washer in the packing gland you have to get out after removing the packing nut. There is Flax packing and Teflon Impregnated Flax packing. I like and use the Teflon Impregnated Flax. To confirm the correct size, measure the ID of the gland and the OD of the shaft. Subtract the shaft Dimension from the gland ID and divide by 2 to get the packing size. Fit each ring of flax packing around the shaft and cut on a 45 degree angle. There will be 3 flax rings to go in with the cut lines staggered about 120 degrees apart so they don't line up. Push the flat washer in place and then the packing nut. Hand tighten the nut and then turn it with a packing wrench about 2 "flats" on the nut. If you want to make it dripless, then for the middle ring use the green Teflon putty that is available at W.M. and others - that's what I use. You can then maintain a dry bilge, unless you get leaking from somewhere - a good indicator of some leaking.
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