I have a 1984 H34. The packing gland leaks a drop or two a second when the shaft is spinning. I plan to install a new packing. Where can I find some instructions? Thanks
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West Marine and other sources
There are several types of packing these days. Check a West Marine or similar catalog for different types of packing materials. You can also get a dripless system. Hunter Marine has the packing size in the FAQ section (I think that it is 3/16", if you have a plastic stuffing box).
There are several types of packing these days. Check a West Marine or similar catalog for different types of packing materials. You can also get a dripless system. Hunter Marine has the packing size in the FAQ section (I think that it is 3/16", if you have a plastic stuffing box).
h34 Stuffing box
It's a great old piece of bronze hardware that will last a hundred years, You need two pipe wrenches to adjust it. There is a locking nut tightened against the nut with the packing in it. Put a wrench on each nut and loosen them. Be sure not to twist the entire assembly because it's only held there by a rubber hose from the shaft log. When it's loose tighten the packing nut till it almost stops dripping then tighten the lock nut. The hardest part will be roving the old packing. They make special tools to get it out but I use a self taping sheet rock screw and some destist type hooks. I once straightened out a fish hook and snagged it out with the barb. Water enters the boat while working there so it would be nice to do it on land if possible. The box uses 3/16" packing and I'd use the teflon type if it needs replacement. Lot of people seem to like the dripless system. It is highly over rated, very expensive and difficult to install. Boat must be hauled, coupling removed from the shaft, $$$$$, and it won't last as long as the factory installed stuffing box
It's a great old piece of bronze hardware that will last a hundred years, You need two pipe wrenches to adjust it. There is a locking nut tightened against the nut with the packing in it. Put a wrench on each nut and loosen them. Be sure not to twist the entire assembly because it's only held there by a rubber hose from the shaft log. When it's loose tighten the packing nut till it almost stops dripping then tighten the lock nut. The hardest part will be roving the old packing. They make special tools to get it out but I use a self taping sheet rock screw and some destist type hooks. I once straightened out a fish hook and snagged it out with the barb. Water enters the boat while working there so it would be nice to do it on land if possible. The box uses 3/16" packing and I'd use the teflon type if it needs replacement. Lot of people seem to like the dripless system. It is highly over rated, very expensive and difficult to install. Boat must be hauled, coupling removed from the shaft, $$$$$, and it won't last as long as the factory installed stuffing box
To add to Daryl's post,
I installed 'Dripfree' packing about 16 years ago. It is firm, putty like material that takes the place of the middle fax on your shaft packing. My H34 is an '86 and has the plastic box. The kit came with an extra piece of material if I ever have to add any. The stuff runs about $35.00 and needs (so far) no maintenance or adjustment. My bilge is dry, shaft moving or stopped. This stuff replaced one of those first generation bellows systems that nearly sank my boat. But this putty stuff is one of those rare products that achieve perfection at a cheap price.
I installed 'Dripfree' packing about 16 years ago. It is firm, putty like material that takes the place of the middle fax on your shaft packing. My H34 is an '86 and has the plastic box. The kit came with an extra piece of material if I ever have to add any. The stuff runs about $35.00 and needs (so far) no maintenance or adjustment. My bilge is dry, shaft moving or stopped. This stuff replaced one of those first generation bellows systems that nearly sank my boat. But this putty stuff is one of those rare products that achieve perfection at a cheap price.
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