Stuffing box HELP

[Carl Reitz]

Over the winter I repacked the stuffing box on our 1987 Hunter 40 with new flax: three pieces of 1/4" flax. I lubricated the new flax with silicone grease.I'm seeking help on adjusting it. It runs real hot even when it drips eight drips a minute. The temperature of the bronze is such that I can put my finger on it, but only keep it in contact for about two seconds.I loosened the stuffing box adjustment so much that the packing nut came completely off of the male threaded part that clamps to the stuffing box hose. I then put it back on with just a few turns. It still ran hot. It literally is mellting the waxy material out of the new flax.We ran the engine about eight hours total with this new flax. I am hoping it will wear in and will give the same reliable performance our old packing gave. I'm also worried it may not "wear in."Anyone out there got any advice?

 

[Les Andersen]

Packing

Carl,Not really an expert. But I seem to recall past articles that remind you when repacking to remove the nut, pull out the large washer, pull out all the old packing, properly cut and space the cuts when repacking and replace the washer and nut. Thought thats all there was to it. If you didn't get the washer out and put the packing ontop of the washer, it might be rubbing against the shaft and causing friction and heat.I also thought that the replacement packing was already lubricated with whatever was necessary. Never heard of anyone putting grease on the packing. By coating the packing with grease you might be preventing it from absorbing water and cooling the shaft properly. Also, removing the packing when the boat is in the water results in lots of water. You didn't mention that. If there wasn't a lot of water when you removed the old packing, it might indicate that there was still packing inside the unit.  Just a couple of thoughts. Good luck and let us know what turns out.Less/v Mutual Fun

 

[Miles]

Too hot...

That's pretty hot! Something must be wrong. I haven't heard of using silicone grease in the packing material before, that might be part of the problem. I'm suprised the box gets too hot to touch and still has water dripping, usually they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Maybe repack it with new stuffing and be sure all the old stuff is out. Mine is just slightly warm to the touch after running probably just from engine heat. You might also want to try the dripless teflon packing material. It's quite a bit more expensive than the standard stuff but there are zero drips! Good luck...