The locking nut on my stuffing box is frozen in place and I have a leak while standing still. Any tips on how to free it up? I've tried PB Blaster, taping in the corners and using 2 wrenches opposing each other. HELP!
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Stuffing Box leaking
- Thread starter kingsailor
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The locking nut on my stuffing box is frozen in place and I have a leak while standing still. Any tips on how to free it up? I've tried PB Blaster, taping in the corners and using 2 wrenches opposing each other. HELP!
I have been there and done that - In my case I found that I was rotating the hose - you know that this means if the hose bursts open that you will not be able to stop the water from coming in. If you are in the water - haul it out of the water as soon as possible . You will have to cut the propeller shaft and take the rudder out and remove the shaft and replace the stuffing box and the hose. You also need a new shaft and transmission coupling. If the hose has not been replaced for the last 10 years - it is time to replace it. When you replace the stuffing box - put pipe thread paste on the new stuffing box threads so that it does not freeze. Best of luck.
Looks like you may have bottomed out the nut on the threads ? Double check to make sure you are turning the nut in the right direction. Be very careful too use the right tools so as to have good stable hold on the shaft ...you do not what to break the hose..... If you to have to ease off on the hose clamp so shaft can turn without twisting hose ...... Use rags like you would do turn e kit on a snake bite...so as to help manage water flow around the hose.... Then brace your self with the right size wrenches. Focus your effort on only turning the nut in the right direction. I finally had to use a rubber mallet on wrench that was on the nut ..... But be very careful....kingsailor said:
If your interested....there was another discussion on stuffing boxes....Just a few days ago.... I made a reply posting on the size packing I use and how I have practiced managing my stuffing box for the last 10 years. With much success .
Been there done that I must say. Best of luck.....
All of the Above ....................
................. plus try applying heat with PB Blaster and any other penetrating oil you can lay your hands on. Alternately heat and let cool using a small propane torch. Also try the wrenches while a buddy applies heat to the lock nut. Anything to break that adhesion caused by the products of corrosion.
You don't necessarily have to haul your boat for this job but take it veeeeeeeeery slowly as this is one job you don't want to screw up and turn into a major project
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................. plus try applying heat with PB Blaster and any other penetrating oil you can lay your hands on. Alternately heat and let cool using a small propane torch. Also try the wrenches while a buddy applies heat to the lock nut. Anything to break that adhesion caused by the products of corrosion.
You don't necessarily have to haul your boat for this job but take it veeeeeeeeery slowly as this is one job you don't want to screw up and turn into a major project
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