I'm sure this question has been asked many times before, but here goes. The packing seal on my drive shaft before it goes through the hull has started to drip. Leaks a little more when the shaft is turning. I don't know the history of the boat but I would guess the seal is several years or older. Should I try to tighten it or could that make the problem worse? Also, is it possible to change the seal with the boat in the water or is it not worth the risk. Can packing be added to it or is it a one piece seal. Would appreciate a diagram of the connection if someone has one. Thanks in advance for any help or advice. R. Bounds
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Stuffing box
You can probably find a diagram online by doing a search for stuffing box. Basically, it's two concentric rings screwed down compressing the stuffing which sounds like it is wearing down but that's normal. You can change it while in the water but it can be disconcerting seeing water come in if it's your first time doing it. You can tighten it down, a quater turn at a time, and see if that helps. You probably know that it is normal for it to leak a little while turning but shouldn't while not turning. Definitely, adding packing isn't the thing to do - either do it right or just try tightening it a little. Don
You can probably find a diagram online by doing a search for stuffing box. Basically, it's two concentric rings screwed down compressing the stuffing which sounds like it is wearing down but that's normal. You can change it while in the water but it can be disconcerting seeing water come in if it's your first time doing it. You can tighten it down, a quater turn at a time, and see if that helps. You probably know that it is normal for it to leak a little while turning but shouldn't while not turning. Definitely, adding packing isn't the thing to do - either do it right or just try tightening it a little. Don
Try this link
Practical Sailor has a link that tells you what you need to know with some images. Go to http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/886stuffingbox.pdf or click the link below.
Practical Sailor has a link that tells you what you need to know with some images. Go to http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/886stuffingbox.pdf or click the link below.
Try this link, too!
Try the following URL. When it come up, there is a second page, also. This is a reprint from Offshore Magazine (September 2004) that I had put into our Newsletter in March. http://www.mainehuntersailing.com/News_Mar05P5.html
Try the following URL. When it come up, there is a second page, also. This is a reprint from Offshore Magazine (September 2004) that I had put into our Newsletter in March. http://www.mainehuntersailing.com/News_Mar05P5.html
Short-term
The big nut has flat sides. Wrench tighten the equivalent of 2 flats. See if the drip stops, or slows down. Come back in a week and try 2 more flats.
The big nut has flat sides. Wrench tighten the equivalent of 2 flats. See if the drip stops, or slows down. Come back in a week and try 2 more flats.
stuffing box
I have the same boat and just did this. You most likely have the old style packing. Its suppost to drip 3-5 drops per min while the shaft is turning. That keepw it from burning up. Go to Home Depot and buy a set of picks. (Like dential picks) Go to any marine store and buy 1/4inch teflon packing. You have a 1 inch shaft. cut three seperate pieces just long enough to go completely around the shaft. Alternate the seams on all three pieces arouind the shaft. Access the stuffing box from over the top of the engine. Back off the locking ring and with the picks pull the old stuffing out of the cap. Put the 3 new pieces in and tighten it down til it stops leaking. Don't over tignten. Run it with the shaft turning and tighten just enought to stop it from leaking. The teflon is the only way to go. Then you won't have to worry about it again. Yes you can always add another piece. the 4th piece is a little harder to get in at first. Best to wait til after you run it an hour or so. Its not a big job after I did it once I was wonder what I was worring about. Can do it in the water, let it leak while your working you pump will take care of it.
I have the same boat and just did this. You most likely have the old style packing. Its suppost to drip 3-5 drops per min while the shaft is turning. That keepw it from burning up. Go to Home Depot and buy a set of picks. (Like dential picks) Go to any marine store and buy 1/4inch teflon packing. You have a 1 inch shaft. cut three seperate pieces just long enough to go completely around the shaft. Alternate the seams on all three pieces arouind the shaft. Access the stuffing box from over the top of the engine. Back off the locking ring and with the picks pull the old stuffing out of the cap. Put the 3 new pieces in and tighten it down til it stops leaking. Don't over tignten. Run it with the shaft turning and tighten just enought to stop it from leaking. The teflon is the only way to go. Then you won't have to worry about it again. Yes you can always add another piece. the 4th piece is a little harder to get in at first. Best to wait til after you run it an hour or so. Its not a big job after I did it once I was wonder what I was worring about. Can do it in the water, let it leak while your working you pump will take care of it.
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