My 1979 Hunter 30' with 12 hp Yamar has an excessive drip from the stuffing box. The question is: should I just re-pack with new flax material or spend the money and do dripless. If I go dripless, which I am thinking about, how difficult is it to install on the 1" Hunter shaft? Thanks Ian
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Miles
Drip, drip, drip, ...
First of all I've heard lots of good things about the PSS shaftseal. But last time I had my boat hauled I asked the yard about it and they recommended trying teflon packing instead (you can get it a W.M. among other places). It was a lot cheaper and no drips (not even one) so far. I also worry a bit about the rubber bellows on the PSS, this way you have the same packing gland/nut and can service it when/if you ever need to. I have heard many rave reviews of the PSS unit but I think the bottom line is it's nice to have no drips and whether you use a new dripless seal or just repack with teflon packing you'll end up there... Good luck!
First of all I've heard lots of good things about the PSS shaftseal. But last time I had my boat hauled I asked the yard about it and they recommended trying teflon packing instead (you can get it a W.M. among other places). It was a lot cheaper and no drips (not even one) so far. I also worry a bit about the rubber bellows on the PSS, this way you have the same packing gland/nut and can service it when/if you ever need to. I have heard many rave reviews of the PSS unit but I think the bottom line is it's nice to have no drips and whether you use a new dripless seal or just repack with teflon packing you'll end up there... Good luck!
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Ed Schenck
Drip-Less for me.
Like Miles I would worry. Over on the "Ask a Non-Hunter Owner" forum I attached this from the WM catalog:
Like Miles I would worry. Over on the "Ask a Non-Hunter Owner" forum I attached this from the WM catalog:
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Ed Schenck
Attachment.
Forty years dealing with computers. You'd think I could hit the right key! Anyway, the attachment from WM(about $55.): "Drip-Less is a unique, clay-like material that molds to the inside of the stuffing box, creating a permanently-lubricated seal. It is internally lubricated with low-friction compounds, so it requires no water for lubrication. Properly installed, it completely seals off the shaft log to outside water. This means no water in the stuffing box or in your bilge. Unlike average flax packing which breaks down due to heat and contact with water, Drip-Less Packing wears slowly and lasts several seasons, thus eliminating frequent packing changes and expensive annual haulouts."
Forty years dealing with computers. You'd think I could hit the right key! Anyway, the attachment from WM(about $55.): "Drip-Less is a unique, clay-like material that molds to the inside of the stuffing box, creating a permanently-lubricated seal. It is internally lubricated with low-friction compounds, so it requires no water for lubrication. Properly installed, it completely seals off the shaft log to outside water. This means no water in the stuffing box or in your bilge. Unlike average flax packing which breaks down due to heat and contact with water, Drip-Less Packing wears slowly and lasts several seasons, thus eliminating frequent packing changes and expensive annual haulouts."
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Ken Palmer
I've tried Dripless
I installed the clay-like dripless packing a year ago, and wasn't very happy with it. I still got some drips, and was afraid to tighten the nut any further. It will be nice when I switch over to the PYC system this Spring. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I installed the clay-like dripless packing a year ago, and wasn't very happy with it. I still got some drips, and was afraid to tighten the nut any further. It will be nice when I switch over to the PYC system this Spring. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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Ralph Johnstone
Believe It or Not ................................
I know I am about to get jaughed off of this site and I know I'd do the same to anyone who realted this to me ...... but here goes. Two years ago I picked up some packing that was labelled as teflon impregnated flax for the shaft packing on a 1" shaft, packing is 3/16. I installed it with my usual fanatical care and found that even with the slightest bit of tightness on the gland follower, this stuff did not leak. I was sure this was the end of my shaft if not the whole boat and anyone who came near me. The gland follower actually had to be loose to get this stuff to leak a drop or two per minute. So the hell with it, I'll just monitor it to make sure it doesn't overheat. Body temperature to the touch when running flat out for an hour. But no dripping. Now I know I'm losing it for sure. The tiny bit of sea water that does come through evaporates faster than it can drip and there is a fuzzy film of salt around the shaft. I ran for 200 hours last year (not much wind kast year). And not a drop of sea water in the compartment under the shaft gland. I decided my shaft can't go on like this without damage. Took the gland follower off along with the packing and the shaft looks identical to the previous year .......... a mirror like polish and NO signs of wear. I don't believe it either. Regards, Island Hunter
I know I am about to get jaughed off of this site and I know I'd do the same to anyone who realted this to me ...... but here goes. Two years ago I picked up some packing that was labelled as teflon impregnated flax for the shaft packing on a 1" shaft, packing is 3/16. I installed it with my usual fanatical care and found that even with the slightest bit of tightness on the gland follower, this stuff did not leak. I was sure this was the end of my shaft if not the whole boat and anyone who came near me. The gland follower actually had to be loose to get this stuff to leak a drop or two per minute. So the hell with it, I'll just monitor it to make sure it doesn't overheat. Body temperature to the touch when running flat out for an hour. But no dripping. Now I know I'm losing it for sure. The tiny bit of sea water that does come through evaporates faster than it can drip and there is a fuzzy film of salt around the shaft. I ran for 200 hours last year (not much wind kast year). And not a drop of sea water in the compartment under the shaft gland. I decided my shaft can't go on like this without damage. Took the gland follower off along with the packing and the shaft looks identical to the previous year .......... a mirror like polish and NO signs of wear. I don't believe it either. Regards, Island Hunter
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Tim Schaaf
Dripless since 1994
I installed some Drip Free packing (the teflon clay) in 1994. In those days it was advertised as being "permanent". I think West's current designation as multi-season is probably more accurate, but mine STILL doesn't leak! I do have to tighten it about once a year, and I do tighten it a BIT more than the old flax packing. It heats up, somewhat, but with the teflon it doesn't seem to matter. I had my shaft out last October and it was spotless. I have also been told that the PSS seals and the Lasdrops depend on perfect alignment and centering in the stern tube. Apparently, lots of older boats (mine included) do not have perfectly centered shafts, since it was not necessary with flax packing. But, however you do it, I vote for a dry bilge.
I installed some Drip Free packing (the teflon clay) in 1994. In those days it was advertised as being "permanent". I think West's current designation as multi-season is probably more accurate, but mine STILL doesn't leak! I do have to tighten it about once a year, and I do tighten it a BIT more than the old flax packing. It heats up, somewhat, but with the teflon it doesn't seem to matter. I had my shaft out last October and it was spotless. I have also been told that the PSS seals and the Lasdrops depend on perfect alignment and centering in the stern tube. Apparently, lots of older boats (mine included) do not have perfectly centered shafts, since it was not necessary with flax packing. But, however you do it, I vote for a dry bilge.
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Gene B. s/v Paradigm
PSS for me
I went with the PYC PSS dripless seal and love it! Not only is the bilge bone-dry, but I think the PSS puts less friction on the shaft. It was easy to put on during haul-out. Highly recommended.
I went with the PYC PSS dripless seal and love it! Not only is the bilge bone-dry, but I think the PSS puts less friction on the shaft. It was easy to put on during haul-out. Highly recommended.
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Alex
Dripless PSS 100%....
..I did it muself to my Hunter 29.5 ,1 inch shaft, Yanmar engine ,in 1995 , and not a drop or any problem needed since , although my shaft/engine has some vibrations.. Definitely recommended.
..I did it muself to my Hunter 29.5 ,1 inch shaft, Yanmar engine ,in 1995 , and not a drop or any problem needed since , although my shaft/engine has some vibrations.. Definitely recommended.
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Jim
Believe it or not, "ditto"
I have the flax impregnated with teflon and have the same results as a previous reply, "no drip, no ware" I have to run the packing nut loose to get a drip, which I don't. The shaft still looks perfect after 2 years.
I have the flax impregnated with teflon and have the same results as a previous reply, "no drip, no ware" I have to run the packing nut loose to get a drip, which I don't. The shaft still looks perfect after 2 years.
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Rich
Dripless or Drip Less
I was originally planning to go with a PSS myself. I have a yacht service that handles all of my tough chores and engine service. I requested the PSS and they talked me into teflon instead which they refer to as drip less. Why? Because if the PSS fails I'll have to haul the boat to fix it. With Teflon they can maintain it in the water. The Teflon has been great with no drips after the first 18 months.
I was originally planning to go with a PSS myself. I have a yacht service that handles all of my tough chores and engine service. I requested the PSS and they talked me into teflon instead which they refer to as drip less. Why? Because if the PSS fails I'll have to haul the boat to fix it. With Teflon they can maintain it in the water. The Teflon has been great with no drips after the first 18 months.
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