Once more unto the stuffing box

[dennis young]

I have just run for 15 minutes at 1200 revs in forward with my spring lines tied. No drip came through and after 15 minutes the shaft was warm. However this warmth could have come from the engine, since the coupling etc was equally warm. Anyone have a comment? MY OWNER'S MANUAL warns to be sure the lock nut is tight "because operating in REVERSE could cause the gland to screw off". But I notice that my shaft turns clockwise IN FORWARD -- making "FORWARD" the gear that could cause the gland to screw off. Since my 272 is an '87 and still afloat, perhaps I shouldn't worry. BUT, DOES ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE HAVE THE SAME?

 

[Bob]

I never encountered the problem...

...but then, mine was safety-wired. I've since replaced my stuffing box with a PSS dripless. Check it out on my web page. No more adjusting, no more replacing, and no more water under the engine.Cheers,Bob

 

[Don Evans]

Back That Gland Nut Off...

No, Dennis that shaft is warm because of friction amd lack of water around the packing. You have to have about 3 or 4 drops of water dripping per minute or you could end up burning the packing and possible scoring that shaft. Loosen the locking nut and back the gland nut off about a 1/4 turn , retighten the lock nut and try again, keep going until you see that drip. Is this new packing? If it's old stuff I would replace it. That's a whole nuther post.Don