Prop shaft stuffing box

Status
Not open for further replies.
K

Kelly

I have a 79' Cat 30. I noticed that water was dripping from my prop shaft seal into the engine compartmet ratther quickly (1 drop every 5 seconds in neutral). Is this normal? If not, can I tighten the seal or need to repack stuffing box? Any ideas on price to repack? Thanks
 
L

larry w.

stuff it

Kelly; Try to snug up the packing gland by loosening the locking nut and tightening the gland nut until you get one drip a minute with the shaft not turning, 4-6 drops a minute with the shaft turning. If you can't reduce the rate to that, your packing is worn and needs replacing. Easy job and can be done in the water, if you plan it right. Check the thread archives.
 
E

Eric Ludin

repacking the box

I have an '83 Cat. 30. My boat is at a yard right now having the bottom repainted. I asked them to repack the stuffing box since it also leaks too much. They showed me grooves that have been worn into the shaft and recommended replacing it. I'm certain it is the original shaft. You might want to have a mechanic look at the stuffing box and shaft the next time you pull the boat out. It may need more than just a repacking.
 
M

Matt Boulton

Try Gore GFO

I switched last year to the Gore GFO dripless packing. It works great -- no leaking, no heat build-up. You might want to give it a try. Matt Boulton C36 #843 Andelain Groton CT
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom