How hot?

[bcguy]

On my way back to home base about 10 hours motoring (flat seas ..no wind forecast) and stuffing box is heating up. I believe it is alignment problem as the shaft touches edge of stuffing box cap aft of the coupler on one side but not on another (used a feeler guage). I saw on the web that Buck Algonquin has a stuffing box they advertise as "self aligning". Just wondering if that refers to aligning to the stuffing box cap. P.S... the couplers (shaft to tranny) are aligned perfectly...feeler guage shows consistent all around. I also went to a smaller flax 1/4 inch to 3/16ths and let it the box drip steadily...still too hot.

Also... as I am in port I am going to buy a heat sensor "gun" to gauge temp... just wondering how hot too hot would be for the stuffing box and the stainless shaft for temporary use.

Shaft is 1.25 inches. Engine is 54 hp 4 cyl diesel.

... thanks in advance...

[ShaunJ]

I would think anything over 125 degrees would worry me. I would have to check mine to be sure.

[perchance]

If you can't keep your hand on it while running it's too hot.