I know the stuffing box is suppose to drip (approx. a drip per minute?). My question is which way do I move the bolts to stop it from dripping more than 1 drip per minute? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cate
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They are not bolts
Try this link to information regarding stuffing box created by a frequent poster on this site (Maine Sail).
Try this link to information regarding stuffing box created by a frequent poster on this site (Maine Sail).
The best way to know is to take a careful
look at the direction of the threads and turn the nuts appropriately. I can tell you what to do on MY boat, but you have to figure it out on YOURS, cause it might be different. The threads angle slightly, and the nuts will follow the threads. If you have trouble following this, just get a threaded bolt and a nut and try it out, since the threads on the stuffing box are pretty fine and hard to see. Once you get the idea, I'm sure you'll have no trouble. I used to keep trying to remember and then realized: Just follow the thread direction. That's been ten years and I haven't remembered, nor have I had to. Obviously, the first thing to do is loosen the lock nut (the aft one) or else the gland nut won't move at all.
look at the direction of the threads and turn the nuts appropriately. I can tell you what to do on MY boat, but you have to figure it out on YOURS, cause it might be different. The threads angle slightly, and the nuts will follow the threads. If you have trouble following this, just get a threaded bolt and a nut and try it out, since the threads on the stuffing box are pretty fine and hard to see. Once you get the idea, I'm sure you'll have no trouble. I used to keep trying to remember and then realized: Just follow the thread direction. That's been ten years and I haven't remembered, nor have I had to. Obviously, the first thing to do is loosen the lock nut (the aft one) or else the gland nut won't move at all.
Thread Direction
Do what Stu says...then get a magic marker and write in the area near the stuffing box which way to turn it to loosen/tighten. I always forget over the winter!
Do what Stu says...then get a magic marker and write in the area near the stuffing box which way to turn it to loosen/tighten. I always forget over the winter!
I have tried everything and can't get them to move enough. I now have a serious drip (50 per minute). I am getting assistance today to hopefully help me resolve this problem. How can I prevent this from happening so I can manage the stuffing box without always asking for help.
Cate, once you get the lock nut away from the
gland nut (whether you do it or some one with brute force does) make sure you have the right tools (ala the photo essay earlier linked) and BE SURE TO PUT LANOCOTE or bearing grease on the aft face of the gland nut and the front face of the lock nut. Then they'll never "grow together" again.
gland nut (whether you do it or some one with brute force does) make sure you have the right tools (ala the photo essay earlier linked) and BE SURE TO PUT LANOCOTE or bearing grease on the aft face of the gland nut and the front face of the lock nut. Then they'll never "grow together" again.
Stu...when I arrived back at my boat yesterday the drip had slowed but of course I was not comfortable with it dripping as fast as it was. I finally with the help of a good friend was able to get them free and they now move easily. It took him about 1-1/2 hrs and as you know with little or no space on a sailboat. I will have it repacked when hauled in the fall. Friends have recommended I got to a dripless stuffing box..your thoughts? Cate
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