Rudder Stuffing Box

[landonshaw]

I am in the process of replacing my steering cables, Teleflex Morse push – pull, and noticed I was taking water in at the steering stuffing box, 5 cups every 24 hr. I believe it had just stared since it would have been fairly obvious before. I have tightened the box by loosening the lower nut, tuning the upper nut to tighten and then retightening the lower nut (locking). I am still in the water and it seems to have fixed the problem. Twenty four hours and no water.

I have unsuccessfully tried to add a picture. I am wondering if I completely unscrew the hex nuts, is the box filled with grease or is it the fiber material similar to a prop shaft? The hex nuts and box seem to be made of brass.

[sestina]

My rudder stuffing box is the same as a prop shaft. ie: packing material and the blackest, stickiest grease known to man. Sounds like you've fixed the problem!

[landonshaw]

I was able to loosen the lower nut and then adjust the upper section, then retighten the lower nut. All seems to be dry. I will replace packing the next time I haul out.