Propeller shaft drip

[Michel16055]

Help please.There seems to be a drip every 2 seconds coming from the joint where the propeller shaft exits the hull.Can this be repaired easily or is this a job for a marine mechanic and is it costly?Can I run the propeller or is it too risky?Thanks~~~_/)~~~

 

[Bob]

Stuffing Box Leak Rate

Hi Michel,The shaft passes through a stuffing box. The stuffung box usually has a couple of large nuts - one is the packing nut the other a lock nut. Loosen the lock nut and then tighten the packing nut about 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Tighten until the drip rate is 1 drop every 20 seconds to one / minute, then tighten the lock nut against the packing nut. A drop every 2 seconds is not excessive. You will need a little leak - the leaking water lubricates the seal. Have seen the leak rate published as 0 drops without shaft rotation and 1 drop per 10 seconds with shaft rotating.Again it is not critical unless the packing nut is too tight = no leakage = failed seal and shaft damage.Hope this helps.Bob

 

[Michel16055]

Thanks for your replies

Thanks for your replies Bob, Larry.This is soo helpful.Larry, I'm sitting here in my boat as I type this message drinking a cup of Java.Sailed yesterday, was great (little wind but hey, I'm out there )Will sail a little this morning before I must return home.Be back on the weekend.Oh yeah, the drip is fixed.RgdsMichel