No drips from our stuffing box!?

[Mike Bartell]

My partner and I own a Hunter 33 and recently replaced the packing in the stuffing box. We tightened the nuts until the drips slowed to about one drip per 30 seconds. After running the engine for a while and continually checking for the "appropriate number of drips per minute" we discovered none. Since then we have motored for about two hours, still checking for drips and overheating. The stuffing box is not dripping but also not overheating at all. The stuffing box stays at the most, warm to the touch. Should we loosen the nut until it drips or leave well enough alone?

 

[Mike H]

teflon impregnated flax

Some argue that if you use teflon impregnated flax a drip is not absolutely necessary. However, I say loosen the nut until you get the desired drip.

 

[Don Bodemann]

worse cases

Worse cases are A: Too loose yielding too much water coming through the packing giving you….....water in the bilge or B: Too tight yielding an over-heated packing that seizes to the shaft ripping the coupling hose which will probably sink the boat….Your choice I'd rather have a few drips and piece of mind.

 

[Doug]

call Hunter

Why not call Hunter tech supportand ask them? When I repacked my stuffing it it didn't drip initially. When I contacted Hunter , Greg said that was ok if it wasn't getting hot (it wasn't) After several hours it has started to drip slightly when motoring but never any other time. Better safe than sorry but I would get Hunter's opinion also.Doug

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

If it's Teflon Impregnated Flax ............

.......... it's possible to run it without leaking. I have run mine for two years without passing a drop of water. It runs stone cold ........ our water here is always cccccccccold. Also, the shaft under the packing has a mirror polish on it. If the shaft were slightly scored as an older shaft may be, the lack of leakage might not be possible.Regards,s/v Island Hunter

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Don't celebrate yet

Sometime in the next month or two it may start dripping for no apparent reason. It can take several months to fully bed. For now, consider yourself victorious since so many of us have labored in vain to stop the drip early.