Correct Size for Stuffing Box Packing in a Bristol 35.5

[Cheechako]

Never had packing that wouldnt go in pretty readily.....? I would doubt it's supposed to be smaller than 1/4 though... what engineer said....

[donradcliffe]

Sneak your wife's rolling pin and flatten it.

[sdowney717]

GFO marine packing is black, soft and silky and does not drip or wear shafts.

http://www.gfopacking.com/
Dont even bother using the old fashioned flax packing or any grease.

GFO® fiber dripless packing is a braided propeller and rudder shaft packing that you can install and forget about. After 15 years of successfully handling demanding industrial pump applications, it's now proving itself in the marine field, too. It's already being used by the US Navy and Coast Guard and many commercial work and fishing fleets. And, it's approved by the American Bureau of Shipping.

[sbrin]

Using the GORE packing but after 2 days of fighting and pushing, etc, I think I will take the whole thing out and start again,flattening the packing before putting each piece in. If that does not work, I'll go with 2 rather than 3 layers.

Wasn't quite so hard to do 10years ago with the teflon/blue clay stuff!

[dwfosterjr]

My Bristol 35.5 has 1/4 inch but what engine and prop do you have and your cruising speed and RPM with reduction gear info-- thanks--wf

[Vasco]

Sometimes it's difficult to get three rings in. If this is the case put one ring in and turn it down (tighten the stuffing box). Do the same for the next two. You should get all three in. After re-packing go for a motor and test the stuffing by touch, if it's hot, back off a half turn. Repeat until it runs cool.

[casual]

I,repacked with the Gore packing.1.25 ' shaft 5/16 packing.Checking after running I,have no drip's but a black residue on the shaft coming from the front of the box.I,guess it's ok'Anyone elese experience this?

[sbrin]

Old post but new responses!
I ended up with the 1/4" packing and 2 wraps - No leaking after last summer's trips - I think all is well.....

Regards, Steven