Vibration vs. stuffing box

[Bill O'Donovan]

When I splashed my Hunter 29.5 last week, the repacked stuffing box (five rings) required what I considered inordinate tightening to reduce the leak to the required 1-3 drops per minute.I'm getting vibration in the shaft as early as 2500 rpms and wonder if it's because the packing nut is too tight. If I back off, however, the leak will accelerate. Or should I just leave well enough alone and have the shaft realigned by the yard?Thanks.

 

[Steve]

Strut Alignment

I had to tighten my stuffing box the same as you on my H320, and the vibration is bad also. It starts leaking again soon aftwards, which ment tightening again. I also had fine brass shavings coming out of the stuffing box. I am in the process of removing the shaft now, and should be done this evening. During this I noticed that the strut does not seem to be in line with the shaft angle, causing the shaft to drop 2-3" when disconnected from the transmision flange. It also binds as I am trying to pull the shaft out as it seems to be pressed hard against the bearing in the hull.This does not answer your question, but I was wondering if anyone else has seen this? Kind of pigging-backing on your question.Steve