I have a 1986 Hunter 34 with a Yanmar 3GM30F. The suffing box leaks more than it should. I have been it's a simple matter of loosening the lock nut and tightening the larger nut on the engine side of the lock nut. Anyone know the size of the nut? Any advice or gotchas concerning the process?
stuffing box leak
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Stuffing box
Our 1991 P42 has the standard bronze stuffing box that I repacked with 3/16th inch teflon impregnated flax in 2002. It still does its job and I've adjusted it three times since. A service wrench works the best. I tried a pipe wrench and adjustable pliers to no avail. As I recall our box takes a 2 1/4 inch and 2 5/16 inch service wrench. I use a 12 inch long piece of SS tubing that I slide onto the handle of each for greater leverage. This has worked the best for me.
Our box does not drip at rest and about a drip per six to ten seconds while the shaft is spinning. I always tighten by hand so as to avoid burning the packing. If this does not slow the drip rate perhaps it is time to replace with new.
Terry Cox
Our 1991 P42 has the standard bronze stuffing box that I repacked with 3/16th inch teflon impregnated flax in 2002. It still does its job and I've adjusted it three times since. A service wrench works the best. I tried a pipe wrench and adjustable pliers to no avail. As I recall our box takes a 2 1/4 inch and 2 5/16 inch service wrench. I use a 12 inch long piece of SS tubing that I slide onto the handle of each for greater leverage. This has worked the best for me.
Our box does not drip at rest and about a drip per six to ten seconds while the shaft is spinning. I always tighten by hand so as to avoid burning the packing. If this does not slow the drip rate perhaps it is time to replace with new.
Terry Cox
I was able to get a smallish pipe wrench and channel locks in there to loosen the jam nut without twisting the rubber hose. You just want to tighten the big nut a little at a time and check the water drippage. If you get it too tight and no water comes out you can over heat and score the shaft. Consider replacing with a dripless seal the next time you haul out.
I repacked the stuffing box this year on my 37.5 Hunter. Used the GTU teflon 3/16" packing. For the wrenches I used an adjustable pipe wrench and a thin adjustable stuffing box wrench that you can but from West Marine,or Home Depot for less.
I have no drips at anchor and perhaps a drip evey 15 or 20 seconds while motoring. The box must drip to be lubricated and not overheat. If you touch the stuffing box and it is warm,you have it adjusted too tight.
I have no drips at anchor and perhaps a drip evey 15 or 20 seconds while motoring. The box must drip to be lubricated and not overheat. If you touch the stuffing box and it is warm,you have it adjusted too tight.
Green - I have the same 86 Hunter 34 with Yanmar 3gm30f. I bought two JUMBO angle wrenches from Northern Tool & EQ (1 & 5/8 - if I recall correctly...) A bit over kill for sure but adjustments on my stuffing are now very quick and easy. I also repacked with GTU 3/16 while in the water. No drips at rest and one per minute at 2800 RPMs. Hope this helps.
How much did it leak during repacking?
I am in need of repacking mine now too. Just very, very nervous of the thought of flooding iwhile changing the packing in the water. How much did it leak during the process? Care to share your experience?
Thanks,
Ken
I am in need of repacking mine now too. Just very, very nervous of the thought of flooding iwhile changing the packing in the water. How much did it leak during the process? Care to share your experience?
Thanks,
Ken
No drip at rest.
3-5 drips per minute when turning
Pipe wrenches or pack gland wrenches work best.
3-5 drips per minute when turning
Pipe wrenches or pack gland wrenches work best.
I was nervous too and I did mine while on the hard because of that. Howeber, the amount of water that leaks in is in reality very little. Your bilge pump can easily handle it. Cut a few rings of packing before and open up the box. I used an ice pick to get out the old packing. elieve me the amount of water that comes in is not that much.
Good luck and be positive. It's really nothing at all to do.
Good luck and be positive. It's really nothing at all to do.
The job went quicker than expected. I loosened the box and removed one or two rings. Kept those to measure the new ones. Put the box back together while I measured and cut the new packing. (4 if memory serves me) I had a lock pick set (also bought at NT & EQ) to remove the old packing. You will need something to get all the old packing out quickly. With everything at the ready. I loosened the nut one more time and wrapped a small rag / folded paper towel around the shaft to slow the water intake and removed all packing from the nut. Then I placed the new packing around the shaft and slid the nut back into place. Water came in but not near as much as I had expected. I assumed it would be similar to pulling the paddle wheel or transducer - thankfully it was not even close. Search the archives - A member has a great site / link that is very helpful!
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