New stuffing box is running hot or drips heavily

[Jared1048]

So I recently replaced my stuffing box and packing. When i have it tightened to only allow a drip or two every minute it runs hot to the touch. I backed it off until it was dripping every couple seconds and it ran warm to the touch but it looks like a heck of a lot more than other people have gotten it.

Another thing. the dripping run off has tiny specs of bronze in it. Enough to see a little pile forming under the box. I dont know whats wearing but its obvious that something in the box is and it has me worried. This kind of thing typical when using a new box?

The strut is also new as are the engine mounts. The shaft can be spun by hand so the alignment seems to be good and not the issue.

 

[Deadline]

It shouldn't run warm to the touch and it shouldn't drip that much, and it certainly shouldn't throw off bronze specs. The degradation of the bronze in the stuffing box may be caused by a shear of some sort, such as the end of a dental tool inadvertently broken off inside while picking out the old stuff. Something is inside the bronze stuffing not, grinding away. As it grinds, it creates more leaks.

 

[Jared1048]

It shouldn't run warm to the touch and it shouldn't drip that much, and it certainly shouldn't throw off bronze specs. The degradation of the bronze in the stuffing box may be caused by a shear of some sort, such as the end of a dental tool inadvertently broken off inside while picking out the old stuff. Something is inside the bronze stuffing not, grinding away. As it grinds, it creates more leaks.

I think i'll take it apart and re-pack it. Sounds like something found its way in there.

Thanks for the quick reply!
-Jared

 

[Steve Dion]

Jared: Remember that it should leak while the shaft is turning. The only time that it should not leak is when the shaft is not turning.

Did you use 3/16 packing? Did you offset the ring so they are staggered?

 

[Jared1048]

I not 100% sure but im sure i used 1/4 packing. I did offset the pieces and cut at angle to avoid water finding an easy way through.

The stuffing box i bought recommends 1/4 (http://www.fisheriessupply.com/buck-algonquin-nut-style-packing-box-and-hose) Nut Style Packing Box & Hose, 1" Shaft (1⁄4" Flax) 2"Hose


Thanks,
-Jared

 

[Jimmy Jenkins]

I had this situation(minus the bronze shavings) and it was a problem with engine alignment. That sucker would get hot enough to burn your fingers when you touched it. Aliignment cured the problem.
Jimmy

 

[Jared1048]

Re-packed it and it didnt have anything inside of it that could of been causing the "specs".

My alignment was a little "high" due to the shaft bumping the tube at idle. I may have to back it down a little and find the "Sweet spot"

 

[Roger Long]

I had this situation(minus the bronze shavings) and it was a problem with engine alignment.

My alignment was a little "high" due to the shaft bumping the tube at idle. I may have to back it down a little and find the "Sweet spot"

Not "may", absolutely positively "must".

Almost certainly the shaft is, or was, touching the stuffing box housing. It may feel free when turned by hand but the thrust of the prop can move the engine enough on its mounts or flex the beds for the shaft to contact the bronze.

It may have worn enough now that the contact is reduced but a slight movement of the mounts could bring the problem back. There is a possibility of shaft damage at this point. You should consider checking it.

When you repack, use this stuff:

http://www.gfopacking.com/

Unlike flax, it will conduct normal friction heat through to the stuffing box so won't burn. You can tighten your stuffing box enough that it doesn't leak when running without worry about scoring the shaft.

I chucked a stainless steel bolt in a drill and clamped it in vice with a piece of this material around it. I ran the drill and squeezed with the vice until the material melted and ran into a puddle. The bolt was only slightly polished.

You can destroy your shaft over tightening with flax packing.

 

[MLampner]

Love Gore products but thought beyond cooling the drip was also needed to prevent crevice corrosion by allowing oxygen in the water to reach the entire shaft. Thoughts?

 

[Jared1048]

I was already using the GFO packing.

Yeah, I heard the same thing MLampner...

Damn, I almost forgot! Somone mentioned that your rig tension can change your engine alignment. I need to detune my rig a little bit to see if that helps.