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mikereed100 · 30-03-2009, 09:35

I'm having a lot of difficulty locating a 30mm stuffing box here in the Great Satan. Buck Algonquin makes only SAE sizes and I have been unable to find any other manufacturers, even on the internet. Surely there are other manufactureres in the less metricly-challenged parts of the globe?

So the question is, how do you guys keep your shafts from dripping? (I'm thinking more of packing glands than antibiotics.)

Mike

NCboatrx · 30-03-2009, 10:05

PYI supply metric dripless shaft seals made by PSS. These units have proven reliable in service.
Their web site is www.pyiinc.com

regards,
Stanley

mikereed100 · 30-03-2009, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCboatrx

PYI supply metric dripless shaft seals made by PSS. These units have proven reliable in service.
Their web site is www.pyiinc.com

regards,
Stanley

Hi Stanley,

I should have mentioned that I've looked at the PSS units as they are have the only metric sizes I have been able to find. They are beautifull units but they are more than i would like to spend, especially as I need 2. The cost difference may not be as much, however, if I end up having to buy a metric stuffing box overseas, once shipping and such is factored in.

Mike

By Invitation · 30-03-2009, 10:31

I would stick with the tried and true stuffing box. I would also find a local machine shop and just have them machine the stuffing box to your correct size. just puchase one that is a little "tight" and have it modified to fit your shaft. Easy to do. I had the PSS shaft seal and I hated it, removed it last year and I am much happier. I know of a new 38ft boat in San Francisco that sank at the dock due to a failed PSS shaft seal just a few months ago. Keep it simple!

mikereed100 · 30-03-2009, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by By Invitation

I would also find a local machine shop and just have them machine the stuffing box to your correct size. just puchase one that is a little "tight" and have it modified to fit your shaft.

Great idea! Why didn't I think of that? It will be a little pricey once I pay the machine shop minimum, but still probably cheaper than importing.
Thanks,
mike

NoTies · 31-03-2009, 17:26

1 3/16" should do OK. It's only 0.17mm larger, a clearance any stuffing box will take up with ease.

Christian Van H · 31-03-2009, 18:01

I'm with you guys on the Dripless seals. I think they lost a lot of their appeal when the latest new packings came out. Now the most reliable seals are packing glands again...That and I have a good friend who had to run his boat aground after blowing a "dripless" modern hightech expensive shaft seal.

Ziggy · 31-03-2009, 18:23

You can also try ordering one through a Vetus dealer (they have a 30 mm box in their catalog)

bill good · 31-03-2009, 18:48

Iam about to try a mechanical seal which was $30.00 to replace a worn stuffing box. (used in a lot of water pumps) These have a ceramic section with a carbon seal. During the research a company "Tide Marine" turned up what looks like a good product which allowed a seal to be changed in the water. It looks better than the PSS. If my attempt fails I would be looking at the above. If it works I will do the other shaft. The other change is from heavy 2" radator hose to more flexable silicon hose. ( cost more) I would be interested to hear if anyone has used silicon hose between the stern tube & the stuffing box.

Regards Bill Goodward

Chief Engineer · 31-03-2009, 19:25

Tides Seals have a lip seal...if you forget to turn on the water or the water flow becomes disrupted...they self destruct.....Years ago, all the water taxis in the Harbor went to Tides......after many failures due to operator error......back to conventional stuffing boxes......when they fail they melt to the shaft due to lack of cooling water

bill good · 31-03-2009, 19:48

I realise operator error will cause failure but I would like to hear if someone has operated the Tides seal without problems. The mechnical seal I will try may also need water cooling but it will be from the normal engine pump which will result in engine overheating & alarms before anything else fails & it does require "the operator" to ensure the cock is turned on each time the engine is used.

mikereed100 · 01-04-2009, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoTies

1 3/16" should do OK. It's only 0.17mm larger, a clearance any stuffing box will take up with ease.

Hi Pete,
That would be ideal but, as far as I can find, nobody (read: "Buck Algonquin") makes a 1 3/16" stuffing box.

Quote:

You can also try ordering one through a Vetus dealer (they have a 30 mm box in their catalog)

I've got the 2009 catalog and it looks like all stuffing boxes and shaft logs have been discontinued. I'm surprised that I can find no other manufacturers on the internet that supply metric stuffing boxes.

Randyonr3 · 06-03-2013, 19:51

Bringing this back to life as I'm now in need of a stuffing box for a 30mm shaft
Has anyone come up with anything short of buying a 1,1/8 and having it machined..

never monday · 12-03-2013, 03:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randyonr3

Bringing this back to life as I'm now in need of a stuffing box for a 30mm shaft
Has anyone come up with anything short of buying a 1,1/8 and having it machined..

Volvo part number 828442
About $120