Rebuilding a Stuffing Box

[Beau16545]

Was wondering if anyone has had experience rebuilding a stuffing box w/o hauling out the boat. I have a 1975 Hunter 30 that I am not ready for a bottom job on however I pulled the engine and am putting in a new one and want to be sure the stuffing box is addressed while it's easily accessible. My idea is to dive below and pack around the shaft where it enters the boat with plumbers putty and then remove it once the job is complete. Is there an easier way?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

No diving necessary.

Just the other day my stuffing box backed off the log while motoring. Yes, I had failed to tighten the lock nut sufficiently. I was surprised how little water was entering around the shaft, the space is that small. So I think just a little rag stuffing would easily keep the water out while you repack the box. But if you like to go under the boat that will work as well.

With the engine out and the flange removed you can take the box out in the sun to remove the old packing. A very nice advantage. Repacking will require it to be on the shaft however.

 

[Beau16545]

Thanks

Thanks Ed, I'll give that a shot. Iy would sure beat getting in the water if I don't have to. I'll let you know if the boat sinks.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I'm not sure if you have the white nylon OEM stuffing box that some of the older Hunters (like my h28.5) had, but if you do, be aware that you must remove the compression washers separating the packing material in order to properly replace it. I could never do that on my boat without removing the shaft and the entire gland. I eventually replaced the OEM gland with a conventional bronze gland that is very much easier to repacke. See image (I hope it's there...)

 

[Beau16545]

Hey Ed,
finally got around to rebuilding the stuffing box. Was a no brainer and didn't swim. Too cold. Instead on the way over to the boat I icked up some standard plumbers putty and a 1" i.d. flat washer. I pulled the stuffing box, shoved in some preformed putty around the shaft and slid the washer down the shaft to compress the putty and held it in place with a band clamp. Then I ran over to the local ship yard to get some packing and reinforced hose. They were actually dismayed by the fact that my boat wasn't sinking. Anyway the whole job took about an hour including the time to the get supplies. All is well and I'v egot my engine ready to go in next week. Thanks again for the advice. Remember, plumbers putty and a flat washer as standard in the emergency box.

Thanks Again