Stuffing box tips-- I-30

[nestorph]

I'm going to be changing the packing in my stuffing box on the I30. It's my first time venturing there (I've changed packing on my I-28) so I'd appreciate any tips or "gotchas" that the more experienced of you could share. Frankly, I haven't really looked to see how easy it is to access. I'm a pretty big guy but have a slimmer and more flexible son who I will probably rope into helping out.
Thanks

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I'd appreciate any tips or "gotchas" that the more experienced of you could share.

Check the archives (Search menu) for a vast array of information. A hotly debated subject.

 

[nestorph]

Thanks, Ralph. Turns out the exercise was actually quite painless thanks to the generous access panel from the quarter berth. Whole process took about a half hour. I cut a piece of 1" PVC with a channel to help me tamp in the packing rings as I put them in. Now I have a little stuffing box kit consisting of the removal tool, packing, and the PVC. Ready for next year (or the year after).

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Glad it worked out.

Right now I've got 1/4" teflon impregnated flax in the stuffing box. It's been in there for three years now and I'm aiming to get five years out of it. And I run the packing bone dry.