The GFO shaft packing in my 2000 H340 is nearing five years of use now. I can still adjust the gland nut but was wondering how often others change their packing. I did a search of the archives and found someone who was on his/her sixth year.
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I changed mine out this Spring and I think it was about 5-6 years. I really don't know the life expectancy, but it seemed about time.
I will tell you what prompted me to do mine just recently. As usual while underway, I went down below while motoring to make my rounds. Bildge was dry, no unusual noises, belts all tight, no oil or diesel leaking. Hmmmm, the stuffing box sure does feel warm. Not hot but warm on the warm side. The seawater cools the shaft and the flax prevents leakage. I didnt like the warm feel. So I changed it out. The flax was shot and I believe as it breaks down it prevents dripping because it breaks up and "clogs" the front of the shaft nut. I still had some adjustment left but it was more like really dripping or a half turn or so to dry. Not normal. Mine just like Rich's was in the four plus year range. I dont know, but I think the heat test may have some merit.
Tip: A small slotted screwdriver, I think, works better than a flax pigtail because it digs and gets that last ring out. I believe typically there are three rings of flax to dig out.
Cheers
Tip: A small slotted screwdriver, I think, works better than a flax pigtail because it digs and gets that last ring out. I believe typically there are three rings of flax to dig out.
Cheers
Stuffing box
We purchased our boat in 2002, which was the first and only time I packed the stuffing box. It still does the job, but I do plan on replacing the packing when I haul the boat next spring to do the bottom.
Terry Cox
We purchased our boat in 2002, which was the first and only time I packed the stuffing box. It still does the job, but I do plan on replacing the packing when I haul the boat next spring to do the bottom.
Terry Cox
I've been using GFO packing for 8 yrs or so. I like the stuff- its reasonable in cost - about $25 delivered for 2 ft. (3/16th diam) . I do mine each haulout ~2 yrs. but assuming you don't have the PPS packing box and I use the plain bronze packing box- I did mine once in water - no dramatic flooding.
If hauled out- wrap a good length of the GFO tightly around the shaft near your zincs and then cut them at an angle - say "30 degrees off" going straight in to the shaft axis - you will have some pretty perfectly shaped rings - each with bias cut endings.
I pre-cut the rings to speed the process. Also it helps to have those dental type hooks to tease out the old packing ( see harbor freight for a kit or ask you dentist for one of his "oldies")
This last time I opted for 4 rings (set at 12/6/3/9 oclock) and it got me off the usual point on the shaft and nut location. I would mention that you need to go easy on the initial nut tightening- just 1~1.5 turn from first contact. run the shaft at idle to low rpms for 10~15 minutes and then adjust nut based upon drip rate.
You may hear an initial whirring sound as the packing needs to take up the water and take its set. That sound should soon go away if not you may be set too tight already so keep an eye and ear on it.
If hauled out- wrap a good length of the GFO tightly around the shaft near your zincs and then cut them at an angle - say "30 degrees off" going straight in to the shaft axis - you will have some pretty perfectly shaped rings - each with bias cut endings.
I pre-cut the rings to speed the process. Also it helps to have those dental type hooks to tease out the old packing ( see harbor freight for a kit or ask you dentist for one of his "oldies")
This last time I opted for 4 rings (set at 12/6/3/9 oclock) and it got me off the usual point on the shaft and nut location. I would mention that you need to go easy on the initial nut tightening- just 1~1.5 turn from first contact. run the shaft at idle to low rpms for 10~15 minutes and then adjust nut based upon drip rate.
You may hear an initial whirring sound as the packing needs to take up the water and take its set. That sound should soon go away if not you may be set too tight already so keep an eye and ear on it.
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