Re-Sell Me on GFO Packing

[Roland Mc]

Well I have gone for it and ordered 2 packs of GFO to sort out a Fleming 55 I am working on, got my fingers crossed that it works, (and gets to the uk in time)
Just wondering has anyone got any experience with the Buck Algonquin PTFE packing because I think thats what Fleming normally go for. spoke to one owner who said his engineer had struggled with it (the Buck Algonquin)

[r.furborough]

Use this on both my propeller and rudder, no leaks from either and the shaft runs cool. Now beem 18 months dince installed and the only water in the bilge is from the masthead. Great Stuff......

[eyschulman]

I have come across a thread on boatdiesel.com in past that had something about breaking in this packing material-running a little loose for a while then tightening otherwise may have problems-if no instructions with product try search on boatrdeisel.com

[billwilletts]

I need some advice. I just repacked my box with Gore GFO - 6 layers. We didnt tighten the stuffing box at all. A few minutes into the sea trial the stuffing box was over 300 degrees and no water coming out still. Smoking hot and discolored the bronze fittings. I need some advice on how to fix this and what damage it might have done. We only went two miles and stopped. Now what?

[bstreep]

My first (and only) guess would be that you chose a size too big.

[LLizzard]

Originally Posted by bstreep

My first (and only) guess would be that you chose a size too big.

I agree, probably went a size or more too big, combined with 6 layers of it. I've used it for over a decade(s) with no issues on 2 different boats, one with 1 1/4" fast moving shaft, the other with 2.5" slow moving shaft. 4 layers were enough and almost never had to tighten for years after the initial set-up.
To the OP, if you're not dripping and are running cool, then you are good to go.