Packing Gland

[Don Crowther]

I opened up my packing gland thinking i would change the packing. I took a picture of the inside of the gland. It looks like either there is either some new type of packing that I haven't seen before or mine has disappeared.

If this is in fact the packing any idea's how to remove it? I will polish the shaft before installing the new packing.
Thanks Don

 

[kappykaplan]

Looks pretty empty to me!

 

[Rich Stidger]

It appears that your packing is missing. I have no explanation. Is is possible that the packing is stuck to the other half of the packing gland? If so, I would expect it to be very visible.
No packing would mean that the gland would leak very badly. Was that the case?
Whatever, I would pack it with new material and adjust as needed. If it disappears again, I would suspect that your boat is possessed.

 

[Don Crowther]

It was a slow leak last fall when I pulled.
And there was no packing on the other half. Maybe some king of Teflon packing? I've taken pictures all around and can't find a split to pull it out.

 

[jssailem]

It looks empty. Did some previous owner put some of that new-fangled stuffing gland putty in there, and the prop shaft ejected it? It is a wonder you had a dry bilge.
Good thing you discovered this.

I would inspect the shaft. If it is just dirt, that is one thing. If it is pitting, then you may be looking at a shaft replacement.

When I pulled my engine, I thought the shaft was in good shape. Then I slid the stuffing gland away and found the damage.

 

[heritage]

It could be teflon packing that is squeezed so tightly that the ends can't be seen. Have you tried digging into it with a sharp dental pick?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Have you tried digging into it with a sharp dental pick?

I would suggest following @heritage 's advice.

 

[Don Crowther]

View attachment 238003



I would suggest following @heritage 's advice.

When I get back to the boat I'll give that a try. That teflon looks very thin to me.
I did buy some 1/4 inch packing but was only able to get one piece in. Any more than that I couldn't get the threads started.

 

[Don Crowther]

I'm going to call the store in the morning and see if they have any teflon.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I'm going to call the store in the morning and see if they have any teflon.

You are looking for teflon impregnated flax and NOT straight teflon which will cause problems with not passing water for cooling.

 

[Don Crowther]

Well the good news is that i got though to the store and they gave me a name. Eddie Marine sells this packing gland. It's a Morse brand. I didn't call them yet but they say to use wax rope but don't mention what size. So I'm think that 3/16th will work but if it isn't what they recommend I''ll let you know

 

[Don Crowther]

Well Eddie Marine wasn't much help. They did get back to me but said they don't sell the wax rope. So I'll go with 3/16 and see how that goes.
Thanks all