Stuffing box: repack or replace

[Randy]

It's time to repack the stuffing box on my 84 C27. That got me thinking about whether it might be wise to replace the whole assembly, including the hose. The assembly is original, as far as I know, and I began wondering about the ability of the old hose to keep the seas out.Should I just repack it, replace the whole thing, or look at a dripless assembly?I'd appreciate any feed back.Thanks,Randy

 

[Robert Fischer]

For a few dollars more

I have an 85 C27 and will be replacing the whole assembly over the winter. Good luck

 

[Jeff Walker]

It's only money..

As a minimum I would replace the hose and re-secure it with two stainless hose clamps on each end. I did that to my '83 six years ago and I found one of the hose clamps would have failed before long. You might also consider a PYI dripless while you have the boat out of the water.Jeff

 

[Richard]

other options

You can go to teflon packing (green stuff that costs about 50.00) that will not drip. This option will be cheaper than the nearly 200.00 for a full drippless system.Removing the prop shaft can range from easy (if you are lucky) to hell if it won't come out and has to be cut. At that point you may as well replace the cutlass bearing, the prop shaft, etc.Richard