Stuffing box questions?

[SEMPERAVANTI41]

Hi All,

A couple of questions regarding the stuffing box on my 41DS. I measured the shaft at 1 1/4" and the stuffing box nut as 2 3/8".

1. Is the stuffing box made by Buck Algonquin?
2. What is the purpose of the small nut and phillips screw on the base of the stuffing box?
3. I have a large crecent wrench and a large pipe wrench that would fit the nuts. Does it pay to buy specific stuffing box wrenches?
4. If it is a Buck Algonquin part, the wrenches offered are 2 5/6". Is that correct?
5. The black hose looks a little off center in relation to the stuffing box, is that normal?
6. I sprayed PB Blaster on the threads last weekend. When I return to my boat I plan to tap the large nut with a ball peen hammer to help loosen it up. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[JoeWhite]

I recently replaced my stuffing box that was made made by the same manufacturer - but my shaft is 1" so mine does not resemble your. I am sure they have the stuffing box that you are looking for. I did not buy any special wrenches - I used plumbing pipe wrenches. The screws my be to bleed or let water into the shaft or stuffing box. I will say that You may consider working on the stuffing box while on the hard. The hose appears to be in need of replacement. The allignement is not normal and it is due to misalignment of the engine with the strut. This is not a good news. You will have to buy new propeller shaft and coupling to complete this job - mine was about $1500.00 not including haul out. Good luck - let us know how it goes.

 

[H45DS]

Given you are having problems with your stuffing box, have you considered one of the dripless systems? I have a PSS system in my boat, and it has worked flawlessly for me (and I have no stuffing box worries any longer!).

 

[artboas]

Definitely go dripless

Given you are having problems with your stuffing box, have you considered one of the dripless systems? I have a PSS system in my boat, and it has worked flawlessly for me (and I have no stuffing box worries any longer!).

There are numerous advantages to dripless.
PYI has a very good model.
I suggest changing over, and your problems are behind you

 

[Dave Groshong]

It may not answer your questions, but MainSail's article on stuffing boxes is excellent:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775788

 

[SV Escapade]

Don't bother with the special wrenches. My mechanic only uses his brass ball peen hammer. I have 2 large channel lock pliers that I use. I don't share Joe White's opinion (yet). The picture is at a unique angle. There is a bit of a bend in your "hose", but it may have nothing to do with misalignment. Mine has a minor distortion in it due to the fiberglass on the outside of the interior portion of the shaft log being a bit thicker on the port side than the starboard side. Is there a noticeable vibration associated with the engine RPM when in gear? This is referred to as a 1 to 1 vibration. It will increase / decrease in conjunction with changes in engine RPM. If yes, then have a yanmar certified mech look at it. Also look at the drive shaft with the engine in gear. Look for an unbalanced condition. If yes, again call a mech. If not, chalk it up to poor design. Do, however, check the exterior of your hose for tears or wear, especially near the hose clamps. I still run traditional flax stuffing and am quite satisfied. I can change it out in about 15 minutes while still in the water. And spend that dripless device money on some other damn thing that needs attention! Sorry, no knowledge of your other questions as my 41 looks a bit different than yours.