Stuffing box head scratcher

[Hermia II]

I've had the Deep Sea Seal for decades. Get one and forget all about it.
https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/dripless-...rs-guide-17357

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by kapnd

While we’re at it, let’s cast a pox on those whom dare to diss GFO packing.

I’ve never seen any damaged shafts due to its use, but have seen many badly pitted shafts that were packed in traditional flax.

When installing any packing, it’s a dam good idea to liberally slather everything with silicone grease. It fills any errant voids that could trap water, and of course it’s a very slick lubricant that helps prevent overheating when running in the packing.

It’s the salt water standing in the packing that causes damage, and that again strongly points up the value of fresh water flushing.

If you like a dry bilge, and have trepidations about dripless seals, GFO is the bomb.

I installed GFO 5 years ago and never had a problem. I check the temperature of the stuffing box as part of maintenance and its always lukewarm to the touch, never hot after several hours of operation. Dried bilges, no drips.

[Ninedotsix]

Originally Posted by Hermia II

I've had the Deep Sea Seal for decades. Get one and forget all about it.
https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/dripless-...rs-guide-17357

Thanks for posting that.
I’m limited to first hand experience of packing and the PSS seal.
Packing never my fave on industrial pumps, and less so in the deep bilge behind the hot engine.
But, within the PBO article on seals, there was a link to an article on how to pack a gland
Link: https://www.pbo.co.uk/expert-advice/expert-answers/how-to-repack-a-stern-gland-step-by-step-1031

[Jeffrey1950]

Well, I was in for a nice surprise!

The old stuffing pulled out in just over ten minutes. I bought a set of dental hygiene picks, stainless steel, hooked and very sharp. There were five rings in there - I was only expecting three or four. I chose graphited square packing and cut as suggested in various posts and videos, staggering the joints. I got four new rings in just fine, but the fifth is a little proud. I’ll have a good look how it performs in the water and I may take that fifth ring back out.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions!

I had to remove the exhaust hose and cockpit drain hose to get to the stuffing box, so the work is not over yet.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey1950

Well, I was in for a nice surprise!

The old stuffing pulled out in just over ten minutes. I bought a set of dental hygiene picks, stainless steel, hooked and very sharp. There were five rings in there - I was only expecting three or four. I chose graphited square packing and cut as suggested in various posts and videos, staggering the joints. I got four new rings in just fine, but the fifth is a little proud. I’ll have a good look how it performs in the water and I may take that fifth ring back out.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions!

I had to remove the exhaust hose and cockpit drain hose to get to the stuffing box, so the work is not over yet.

Question is how many threads did you screw the nut unto, hopefully 10 or so.
Boatyarddog

[Jeffrey1950]

I think there were only about 10 on the whole thing. I’m about halfway I guess.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey1950

I think there were only about 10 on the whole thing. I’m about halfway I guess.

Yeah, that's about right.
I does vary.
Boatyarddog

[PerfectPirate]

Glad it went so smoothly. I could only get three rings into my packing nut, and each ring was so tight that I had to screw the nut down and then unscrew it again before I could add the next one. I am still waiting to launch so that I can find out how well I did or did not do.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by PerfectPirate

Glad it went so smoothly. I could only get three rings into my packing nut, and each ring was so tight that I had to screw the nut down and then unscrew it again before I could add the next one. I am still waiting to launch so that I can find out how well I did or did not do.

This sometimes a symptom of sizing error, one size to large, or rolled when installed.
A small mirror and flashlight can help you see as you install.
I prefer rings, stacked packing.

Packing sometimes is round off the coil and can be spiraled in, after trimming the lead end at a long angle.
Sometimes called a Fishermans packing, I've used them and felt that the performance was good.
As I understand it these make for quick changes, or difficult spaces, or Old Folks!

They are pretty easy to remove as well.
Boatyarddog