Stuffing box replacement info needed

[Don s/v Tellico]

As the picture should show, I just cracked the original nylon stuffing box on my '93 H37.5. Obviously, this is a serious problem......a steady drip now.Without starting a debate on the dripless replacements (lots of info in the archives, and I've read it all) has anyone found a source for a nylon replacement like the original? Hunter doesn't sell them, but says they were made by Morse (now part of Teleflex.) I'm researching that now, without much luck.So, as I understand it the options are (1) replace with bronze or similar, (2) use the PSS dripless version (available here at HOW.) Any other suggestions/sources, etc? Boat is coming out in the next week or so for painting, so planning the replacement then, assuming I can bail that long.For the PSS replacement, Hunter thinks it's a 1 3/4" OD shaft log/stern tube in the hull. Can anyone confirm that?I'm heading up to Annapolis later this week with my picture in hand to see what I can find at the chandleries. Would appreciate any info/suggestions in advance.

 

[Leo Vortuni]

Stuffing Box

Although my boat was a Hunter 35.5, I replaced my troublesome stuffing box with a PSS dripless one about 4 years ago and have never had any more problems. What a pleasure to have totally dry bilges all the time! Do it, you won't be sorry!

 

[Paul Akers]

Flax

Obviously, you will need to put flax into the new stuffing box. I'm changing my flax this year and it has been recommended to me to use teflon-impregnated flav for vitually drip-free operation.I helped a friend change his box last year to a bronze one. The job was OK. And easy to do. The tough part was removing the shaft, as well as the flange at the transmission. You will need a pulley puller (unless you have the yard do the job).

 

[Rick D]

I Replaced Mine With Bronze

...and used dripless shaft packing. However, I continued to have problems with the shaft packing , so I replaced it with a PSS seal. As I recall, the bronze stuffing box was about $100. I did not attempt to replace the plastic part. Your call. FWIW, you will want to check your shaft alignment. That looks like a break that may have happened by a lot of shaft whip. Rick D

 

[Mat]

Had mine replaced

with bronze. I did not opt for the PSS.

 

[Tom H31]

Good Luck!

My advice is forget about the cheap nylon/plastic stuffing box. We had one on our 1986 H31 that almost became a catastrophe! Go with the PSS or with a bronze stuffing box with teflon packing.

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

Thanks Rick D...

actually the problem was caused by a big dumb lug - me. Decided to give it another turn when I was leaving for a trip. Long story as to why it was dripping, but it was down so low, my extra little crunch cracked it. Was a stupid thing to do, but was planning to replace it with bronze sometime soon based on my mechanic's advice. Luckily, Hunter has the bronze for $40 or the PSS is about $180 here at HOW and elsewhere. Seems that noone in Annapolis stocks either of them, so the final decision is still open. Still trying to decide on which way to go.