Help with Leaking packing

[Jonny PIP]

I have a 1979 Hunter 30 ,the packing around my shaft is leaking bad,i need some advice on how to fix it or replace it.

 

[sandpiper10471]

If you are lucky, you might be able to fix it without replacing the flax. Using big wrenches, separate the two parts of the gland. The end closest to the transmission is the lock nut. Then tighten the other part, further squeezing the packing. If it won't squeeze, it has gone hard and will have to be replaced. Old hard packing as well as packing too tightly squeezed will score your shaft.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Here's a picture. "Sand..." misspoke, the locknut is at the back of the box, by the hose. Make sure that you have a wrench on the box(forward flats) when turning the locknut(clockwise looking aft) so that he hose doesn't turn. After it is unlocked turn the "box" half a turn and check with engine running, then another half, etc. Remember to lock it up. You can change the packing in the water if that doesn't work for you. Tighten the hose clamps while you are in there too.

P.S. that hose should have four clamps, not two.