I have been using GFO packing in my engine stuffing box for about three years now. It seems to be working well and I only need to give it a very slight adjustment every year. I wonder however about its useful lifespan. Any thoughts?
GFO Packing Lifespan?
- Thread starter John T1594
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There isn't a specific lifespan for packing, it depends on how much you motor your boat. Packing is cheap and depending on access is easy to replace. I would probably run it this year and replace it next year. When you replace it you can see how much you have left and plan for it next time.
I installed this dripless packing in April 2003, and I just replaced it this Spring. So I got six seasons.
I did adjust probably once per year, and I have put about 710 hours on the engine in that six year period.
When I replaced the packing this Spring, the reason was just that it was six years old and not because I was having any issue with it. I did find that the packing was fairly dry and in my opinion ready for replacement.
BTW, the first packing which was the standard stuff lasted five years and 570 engine hours with no issues.
Your mileage may vary.
I did adjust probably once per year, and I have put about 710 hours on the engine in that six year period.
When I replaced the packing this Spring, the reason was just that it was six years old and not because I was having any issue with it. I did find that the packing was fairly dry and in my opinion ready for replacement.
BTW, the first packing which was the standard stuff lasted five years and 570 engine hours with no issues.
Your mileage may vary.
Packing
Belle-Vie, a 1991 P42 with 635 hours, became our family member in 2002 and at that time I replaced the original packing with the teflon material. The engine now has 1,430 hours and the 2002 material is still doing its job. I've adjusted it three times during this period.
Terry Cox
Belle-Vie, a 1991 P42 with 635 hours, became our family member in 2002 and at that time I replaced the original packing with the teflon material. The engine now has 1,430 hours and the 2002 material is still doing its job. I've adjusted it three times during this period.
Terry Cox
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