Stuffing box repair

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RFerraro

.
Sep 25, 2008
6
Beneteau First 32 Pelham, NY
The stuffing box on my 1984 Beneteau First 32 is now dripping a steady stream and needs repacking. I've packed it while on the hard, but can it be repacked safely while the boat is in the water?

Also, the flexible rubber "gland" that goes from the stuffing box back over the prop shaft is split and peeling away and obviously needs replacing. What does that entail? Must the boat be hauled for that, must the shaft be released, where can such a part be found, and is the replacement doable by a handy but not professional repairman.. meaning me?

Much appreciate any advice from those who've done it.
 
Tim R.

Tim R.

.
May 27, 2004
3,626
Caliber 40 Long Range Cruiser Portland, Maine
This is all doable by a DIYer given the proper knowledge. Forget the repacking. You need to haul the boat imediately before the tube fails. This must be done out of the water as it involves separating the shaft from the transmission, removing the coupler and stuffing box. This might be a good time to consider a dripless seal such as the PSS. If not then you need to replace the tube with a new one. Do not use ordinary hose. Many places sell the proper reinforced tubing that is made for this purpaose. It is not that expensive. Also check the cutlass bearing for wear and replace if needed.
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

.
Feb 6, 1998
11,759
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
RFerraro said:
I've packed it while on the hard, but can it be repacked safely while the boat is in the water?
Click to expand
Yes it can with a little patience and some careful prep. I would do it if this is your first attempt at a re-packing however..

RFerraro said:
Also, the flexible rubber "gland" that goes from the stuffing box back over the prop shaft is split and peeling away and obviously needs replacing. What does that entail?
Click to expand
It entails replacement with the proper hose. The hose is made by Buck Algonquin and sold at Hamilton Marine.


RFerraro said:
Must the boat be hauled for that, must the shaft be released.
Click to expand
Yes it needs to be hauled. You can do it yourself but you'll likely ruin the couplings fit tolerance due to the layer of rust you disturb when getting the shaft out. This will in most instances require a new coupling.


Stuffing Box Hose (LINK)
 
R

RFerraro

.
Sep 25, 2008
6
Beneteau First 32 Pelham, NY
Thanks to you both.. looks like I'll have to get her hauled asap and that rubber hose replaced. Much appreciated.
 
Roger Long

Roger Long

.
Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
Maine Sail said:
No, it is specifically made for the use on stuffing boxes and has many more plies
Click to expand
Here is a comparison:

http://home.roadrunner.com/~rlma/Strider06work.htm#Flexhoses

although I would note that the regular exhaust hose originally installed in my boat worked from 1980 to 2006. It was pretty close to the end of it's life when replaced. I know it was original because some of the secondary fiberglass layup embalmed the hose clamp.
 
Hermit Scott

Hermit Scott

.
Sep 25, 2008
2,288
C30 Event Horizon Port Aransas
I bought some exaust hose and I pushed it onto the port tube, and it had to be smashed a little undeneath to fit. I would have to chip out some fiberglass underneath if I was to put anything thicker.
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

.
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
I second the dripless seal

I am in total agreement on going with a dripless seal. Since you are going to have to pull the whole thing off anyway. I just installed one because of a situation very similar to yours. I have a large flat bilge, and it was basically impossible to keep it dry. I was also surprised at how little difference there ended up being in the total cost. The PSS is very well made and used by many on this board. And no gripes about them anywhere.
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

.
Feb 6, 1998
11,759
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Nice N Easy said:
I am in total agreement on going with a dripless seal. Since you are going to have to pull the whole thing off anyway. I just installed one because of a situation very similar to yours. I have a large flat bilge, and it was basically impossible to keep it dry. I was also surprised at how little difference there ended up being in the total cost. The PSS is very well made and used by many on this board. And no gripes about them anywhere.
Click to expand
Yep mine had about 2700 hours on her when I replaced the bellows and not one problem.. Oh and I sent the old bellows to PYI for testing and they said is was as good as new and had lost none of it's resistance to compression..
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

.
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
The one that came off mine

The old one that came off mine was a very poor imitation of a PSS. The collar had a plastic sealing surface. Held in place by another plastic collar that was a split. Screw that clamped it down was some cheap phenolic material, with an allen head screw. Ended up having to drill the screw out. The mating surface on the bellows side was also plastic, and the bellows itself had very little life left in it.
What all this means is if you go dripless, get the good one. What I had, and the PSS, side by side there is no comparison.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom