Stuffing Box
- Thread starter Fiherrsh
- Start date
Look in the search menu (dark blue tabs) at the very top of the home page. Use "packing", "gland", "stuffing box" for starters and you'll be able to write volumes on the subject.
Repacking a Stuffing Box 101 - by Maine Sail: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775788&highlight=stuffing%20box There are also lots of articles in the C34 Tech wiki. http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box
Just going from my less than perfect memory here. I do recall reading that flax that has a graphite base needs to be considered carefully. The graphite allows for less friction, but seems that it is electrically conductive which sets up a galvanic differential between the bronze stuffing box and the SS shaft. And damage to the metal shaft or box (I don't remember) is a frequent outcome.
Not about stuffing box flax, but along the same lines: The last time I hauled my boat out, the yard manager recounted to me the galvanic damage a few owners of high tech graphite laid-up boats were having at the interfaces with various metal fittings.
Not about stuffing box flax, but along the same lines: The last time I hauled my boat out, the yard manager recounted to me the galvanic damage a few owners of high tech graphite laid-up boats were having at the interfaces with various metal fittings.
I want a new emoticon:
LEASE read the blinkin' links: Please, please, please.
Your questions are covered in the links I provided.
Really.
Maybe relax just a bit - I appreciate the links, but if someone else would like to add their insight here on this thread, I think that would be OK also - in addition to the great links you provided ;-) ThanksI want a new emoticon:
Please, please, please.
Your questions are covered in the links I provided.
Really.
I want a new emoticon:
Please, please, please.
Your questions are covered in the links I provided.
Really.
Did you supply links .............. I hadn't noticed
But seriously, I've had good luck with Western Pacific Trading Inc. teflon impregnated flax packing. Buy it here at the SBO store.
http://shop.hunterowners.com/prod.php?18332
Attachments
GFO
For several years now, I have been using GFO GorTex packing. Their documentation suggests that the packing is almost drip free. I originally used three layers of 3/16" packing for my 1" shaft. I found that I need two additional layers of the GFO in order to adjust the stuffing box to my satisfaction, where it drips only when the engine is running.
For several years now, I have been using GFO GorTex packing. Their documentation suggests that the packing is almost drip free. I originally used three layers of 3/16" packing for my 1" shaft. I found that I need two additional layers of the GFO in order to adjust the stuffing box to my satisfaction, where it drips only when the engine is running.
The More I Look Into Packing ...............
..................... the shakier it's starting to look. Looks as if any packing which is grey to black is suspect of containing graphite as previously mentioned by Maine Sail:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1187674&highlight=graphite
GFO Gortex is as black as sin so . If you can withstand graphite, fine, but if not .
Other than pure teflon or teflon impregnated flax, looks like it's every man for himself.
..................... the shakier it's starting to look. Looks as if any packing which is grey to black is suspect of containing graphite as previously mentioned by Maine Sail:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1187674&highlight=graphite
GFO Gortex is as black as sin so
. If you can withstand graphite, fine, but if not .Other than pure teflon or teflon impregnated flax, looks like it's every man for himself.
I see in your photo that you use Fluid Film. I'm just now learning about the product. How do you use it? Where do you spray it? How good does it work? Etc?
Thanks
http://www.fluid-film.com/products/
The product is an aerosol spray that is like penetrating oil when it first goes on. It penetrates everything. As the volatiles evaporate, it becomes a greasy, sticky, endless film that smells like a cross between a wet, long haired dog laying on a heater vent and a restaurant grease trap on a hot summer's day. Actually, it only smells when it first goes on. Odourless after it dries.
I spray the coupling and gland assembly with it to control corrosion. The shaft cleans up easily when it's time to re-pack. There's always a bit of salt residue around the gland even though I run it bone dry. Not a trace of corrosion on the coupling or any other metal that's been sprayed.
In the process of doing the same. Removing the old pieces now. Getting the parts this coming weekend.