It is time to replace the wax in the stuffing box. I've never done this before, but many have said it can be done in water. Is this true? What am I to expect? How much water will be flowing in? Exactly where will I find the old wrap? In the cap? Around the shaft? Can I cram towels around the shaft to slow the inflow? Do I have 15 minutes before I sink or 15 hours? Just your basic ordinary avoid a panic attack questions.
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Hi Palmer, how old is your boat and...
is it the original material? Some have done it on the water, but I did it on the hard. I'm assuming you've tried to slow the drip rate by tightening the stuffing box a flat or two. If that does not make a difference, IMHO it is no big deal to wait until the next haul out to repack the box. Terry
is it the original material? Some have done it on the water, but I did it on the hard. I'm assuming you've tried to slow the drip rate by tightening the stuffing box a flat or two. If that does not make a difference, IMHO it is no big deal to wait until the next haul out to repack the box. Terry
Stuffing box, repacking in water
I replaced the stuffing box packing on my h33.5 last year with the boat in the water. I must admit I was very apprehensive about it; however, it was pretty simple and I would not hesitate to do it again. The main thing is to get the new packing cut and coated so that it can be inserted immediately after the the last piece of old packing is removed because that is when the water will start flowing in. Also, an extra helper is desirable to pass tools, etc. because you really need to work fast to minimize the water flow. I estimate that I probably got about 2-3 gallons of water in the bilge and the pump handled it with no problem. Just make sure you get the right size packing and simply place it around the shaft and cut it on a diagonal so that it fits perfectly around the shaft. Two to three pieces should do it. There are all types of packing on the market and you can research that in the archives and in marine catalogs. Also make sure that you have a lot of rags/towels and a wet vac is a good idea to clean up the bilge and engine compartment. Good Luck!!
I replaced the stuffing box packing on my h33.5 last year with the boat in the water. I must admit I was very apprehensive about it; however, it was pretty simple and I would not hesitate to do it again. The main thing is to get the new packing cut and coated so that it can be inserted immediately after the the last piece of old packing is removed because that is when the water will start flowing in. Also, an extra helper is desirable to pass tools, etc. because you really need to work fast to minimize the water flow. I estimate that I probably got about 2-3 gallons of water in the bilge and the pump handled it with no problem. Just make sure you get the right size packing and simply place it around the shaft and cut it on a diagonal so that it fits perfectly around the shaft. Two to three pieces should do it. There are all types of packing on the market and you can research that in the archives and in marine catalogs. Also make sure that you have a lot of rags/towels and a wet vac is a good idea to clean up the bilge and engine compartment. Good Luck!!
Stuffing box, repacking
Palmer, I forgot to mention that I had to change the stuffing box packing on my boat because I hit a submerged object with my propeller that caused a continuous leak to occur. I could not adjust the stuffing box collar because the it had already been repeatedly adjusted and was maxed out. I was in a postion of either going to the yard and hauling out or changing it the water. If your problem is not urgent, I would simply wait until the next haulout just as a precautionary note.
Palmer, I forgot to mention that I had to change the stuffing box packing on my boat because I hit a submerged object with my propeller that caused a continuous leak to occur. I could not adjust the stuffing box collar because the it had already been repeatedly adjusted and was maxed out. I was in a postion of either going to the yard and hauling out or changing it the water. If your problem is not urgent, I would simply wait until the next haulout just as a precautionary note.
just add a ring
Why cant you just add a ring of packing, don't take any out just pull the gland back and add a ring.
Why cant you just add a ring of packing, don't take any out just pull the gland back and add a ring.
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