Stuffing Box Question

[Craig]

Having come up to this 34 from a 26 outboard we now have a stuffing box. When the boat was dropped in two months ago the water came in thru the box and i made the adjustment to stop that but still allow some drips for lubrication. My question now is , should this box drip when I am tied up in the slip? I took a couple of cups of water out of the bilge today(after three days of rest) and the box is dripping alittle bit in the slip and no motor running.We do have some water slap against the back of our boat more often than not. Is this ok or do i need to tighten one more notch? Thanks for your help and we are warming up very nicely to our new boat.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

No to drips

Craig,Try tightening the gland nut while your boat is underway (be sure you are in neutral before trying this)until you get two or three drops / min. Once you are down to this rate, HOPEFULLY you will not be dripping when the shaft is not turning. If it does, the packing is hard and requires replacement.Regards,s/v island hunter

 

[Steve Dion]

Maybe I do not understand?

Ralph:I was under the impression that the packing gland is suppose to leak when the prop is turning and should NOT leak at all when the prop is stopped or in neutral? Please correct me if I am in error.

 

[Steve Dion]

Read it again.

Ralph:Sorry, I guess that is what you said, I miss read your post.

 

[Karl Berntson]

Let it drip

There is no big problem if you get a little drip when the shaft is not turning. It does indicate that the flax is hardened and should be replaced, but it sure isn't critical.I found on my '77 H30 that was dripping a lot, that it helped to back off the packing nut. I now have a couple of drips a minute when not running. I plan on replacing the packing when I haul her this winter.Happy Sailing

 

[Paul Akers]

A little is advised

I was told by the yard that 6 drops per minute when sitting is good. Once every 10 seconds. The packing requires some librication just like the cutless bearing does.