Repacking Stuffing Box

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D

Dan Hutchinson

I have tightened the stuffing box adjustment nut on my 1986 Hunter 31 as much as I can, so I guess it's time to replace the packing material. The boat is out of the water for the winter. As I have never done this or seen it done, I am seeking advice on how to go about it or suggestions on where to get instructions.
 
B

Been there

It's easy

The only hard part about repacking a stuffing box is the place and position in which you have to work. If it were on a table in front of you, it would seem trivial. Unscrew the adjusting nut all the way. Use one of those cork-screw shaped tools to pull out all of the old stuffing. Make sure to get it all. Cut three wraps of new packing. You can put three wraps around the shaft to size it, cut a stroke or two to mark the locations, and then finish cutting on a board in the galley, instead of upside down. Get back into position, and insert the rings, one at a time, into the box. Push each ring as far back as possible. You will need to use a small screwdriver or similar tool to push the back ring. Each ring should lay flat. If you cut the a piece too long and can't shape it into a ring with ends abutting, you will have to recut it. The cuts for each ring should be spaced around the shaft, at about a third circumference from each other, though the exact spacing isn't critical. Apply teflon grease, and retighten the nut. Adjust it in the water. That is all there is to it. Really, really easy. If you have a few $, spring for the no-drip packing material that West Marine sells, and use it as the middle ring, per instructions. It comes with plenty for several repackings.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Do it for the last time.

If you want to do it for the last time just go get the PSI Shaft Seal and you will be done with it. About $180 + installation (unless you do it yourself). If you are on the hard, make sure to check your cutlass bearing too. Check out the archieves on the dripless units.
 
J

Jim McCue

See Archives

I wrote a detailed description on this topic several months ago. Do a search of the archives with a keyword "packing" or "stuffing" J. McCue Safeharbor
 
D

Dream Too

Archives

I was reviewing the archives about repacking the stuffing box. A lot of people made reference to the cutlass bearing. Where is that located? Thanks Kevin
 
J

John

Too easy

Dan, this really is an easy job. read the archives, cut the new packing material at a diagonal, adjust in the water, and enjoy a dry bilge.
 
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