I am repacking with normal flax 1/4 inch, but it is an awful job getting it in and I have stopped after the first round for fear that if I could get in two more rounds (requiring great efforts even if possible), I will never be able to get them out if they are too tight. Would it be OK to use 3/16 even if it goes in rather easily? Does tightening the nuts give a good seal even if the packing goies in real easy? Thanks.
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Too tight?
It should not be that difficult. I would not chance using a smaller size in hopes that the box would compress it enough. Is it the circumference or the depth that is giving you the problem? I install one ring and then seat it by tightening the box down. Then back off and install the next ring, etc. Are you sure you started with a clean box? If depth is your problem then it is likely you left some old packing in there. It will also help if you use the teflon packing that is not so dry. Goes in much easier. Better yet is "dripless", see Related Link.
It should not be that difficult. I would not chance using a smaller size in hopes that the box would compress it enough. Is it the circumference or the depth that is giving you the problem? I install one ring and then seat it by tightening the box down. Then back off and install the next ring, etc. Are you sure you started with a clean box? If depth is your problem then it is likely you left some old packing in there. It will also help if you use the teflon packing that is not so dry. Goes in much easier. Better yet is "dripless", see Related Link.
Hi Dennis, the bronz stuffing box on our ...
1991 P42 took 3/16" teflon coated flax. Dug the old out, and installed three layers with each new layer overlapping the seam. Hand tightened then locked the nut. It's been a year without any adjustment and it still has the right drip while underway. Just make sure all the old stuff is out and that the new seams are overlapped with each new layer. Did the new stuff get too hot and glaze over? That happens often where the box is made too tight and it over heats the flax causing it to burn thus never properly sealing. The box should be warm to the touch. Terry
1991 P42 took 3/16" teflon coated flax. Dug the old out, and installed three layers with each new layer overlapping the seam. Hand tightened then locked the nut. It's been a year without any adjustment and it still has the right drip while underway. Just make sure all the old stuff is out and that the new seams are overlapped with each new layer. Did the new stuff get too hot and glaze over? That happens often where the box is made too tight and it over heats the flax causing it to burn thus never properly sealing. The box should be warm to the touch. Terry
Dennis What source are you using to determine the right size packing material? Is it the builder's source, or have you measured? It's easy to measure when the stuffing box is pushed forward, it's the distance from the inside of the box to the outside of the shaft. You really need to confirm that you are using the right size. I had a friend who had had someone put 1/4 into what should have been 3/16. A real bear to remove. Best removal tool I've found is a sheet metal screw. Screw it in a bit, pull out with vise grips. Make sure you get ALL the old stuff (no pun intended) out. Packing removal tools available in chandleries will DEFINITELY NOT work with either 1/4 or 3/16 boxes, since the pigtail is too danged wide! You may also want to try the link as a start to many discussions about stuffing boxes, packing nuts and packing glands and all the other names thse danged things have been given over the years. Good luck, Stu
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