Shaft Packing for H30

[Debo Cox]

I bought my boat 2 years ago, and the packing gland has functioned pretty much as it's supposed to - dripping when it should, not dripping when it shouldn't. Recently, it's begun leaking a bit when the engine isn't running and I'm considering replacing the packing - I don't know how old the stuff that's in there is. I'm going to go with the green dripless stuff sandwiched between flax packing. My question is, does anyone with a Hunter 30 of my vintage (1979) know what size packing the stuffing box takes? This may be one of those "it depends" questions, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks in advance.

 

[Brian]

Try virtually dripless

. On advice from a friend, I just put in virtually dripless packing. The have a sizing chart that requires you to measure the distance from the shaft to the inner edge of the nut. My H380 used 1/4" stuffing.He said not to use the stuff that is similar too "clay" since if trashy water gets in the gland, it can cause damage to the shaft.. (his words)Brian

 

[Terry]

Before you go to the trouble of repacking...

try tightening the box one quarter turn or less. That might stop the drip while at rest. Try that and test it. If no change try a bit more and retest. It does not take much of a turn to change the drip rate if the packing material is still in good shape. Check the box temperature while running. It should be no more than warm to the touch.Terry

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Try this

I suspect your shaft is 1 inch, so you'll need 3/4" packing flax. Check with your engine dealer or yard for sure. And don't do this in the water, wait until you haul this winter. To remove the flax, use an electric drill to poke at it while turning the big brass nut. Eventually it will pull out like a string, but not at first. Be careful not to nick the nut or the shaft. Having said all that, the original advice still stands: Try tighting it one or two flats to see if that does the job, at least till you haul.

 

[tom c]

packing size

i inch shaft with a bronze stuffing boix requires 3/16 inch packing.

 

[Roland]

3/16 is correct

for that shaft. I have a '77 h30 and the last time I changed the packing, I did it in the water. Yes, you will get some water coming in but it shouldn't be anything your pump can't handle for a short while. It also allows you to run the engine in gear afterward and seat the packing to obtain the correct drip rate.Before you do this, tighten the nut about a quarter turn as mentioned before.-RolandS/V Fraulein II

 

[Debo Cox]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice and info guys. It's nice to have other people to bounce these things off of.