Stuffing Box

[Kevin]

I'm replacing the stuffing in the stuffing box on my h28.5 (1987)...on the dry! This is the first time I have done it on this boat. My question is 'how many wraps of the teflon stuffing are needed or recommended'? Only one wrap was removed.Thanks!Kevin

 

[Ned Strain]

Generally Remove and Replace Three

Take 'em all out - generally there's room for three layers. Make sure you check the archives - good info on best packing material and the angles to cut it.Ned and Tani Strains/v Family Therapy 1995 h336Chicago

 

[Mike H]

3 times

3 wraps should do it - more than that and you could cause an overheating problem in the stuffing box. Since you say this is your 1st stab at this:Cut 3 separate rings of flax that completely surround the prop shaft (ie no gap in the flax joint). Do not use one continuous piece and wrap it three times. Cut the (teflon impregnated)flax on an angle so the ends join together better.Stagger the breaks in each flax piece 90 degress at least so that they do not overlap.Use a high quality teflon lubricant and rub it on each piece of flax. With teflon impregnated flax you're not supposed to need extra lube, but hey what the hec.Tighten the stuffing box hand tight until the boat is launched. Afterwards, tighten the nut until there are about 2 drips per minute comming out of the box. Make sure you put the locking pin and/or locking wire back on the nut to prevent it from turning.Note you may need to adjust the nut tightness more than once before things settle down. And from my own experinece, I find replacing the stuffing flax every 2 years is best. That flax stuff can become hard as concrete if left in long enough. Have funMike

 

[BT]

go dripless !

I replaced the stuffing box on my 1987 28.5 with a PSS dripless unit over 3 years ago and not a drop has entered the bilge area since then! Suggest you consider this option (albeit it is a little pricier) to eliminate the water buildup in the floor cavity directly under the companionway steps. This is a hull design flaw acknowledged by Hunter Marine but they claim it causes no problems. In fact, it will eventually rot the cabin sole out from underneath (first hand experience talking here and my vessel is not the only one - see archives). The added bonus of no water in the bilge is cleaner, fresher air down below - no moisture causing mildew etc.... Good luck !