Stuffing Box

[flyboyjack]

Hey Folks,

...got anudder question. Seems my repacked stuffing box was shedding way too much water, even when static in the water. I re-tightened the packing nut so that it would leak about 3-4 drips per minute again while sitting static with nothing running and/or turning at the recommendation of a mechanic. Then I ran it for a 3.5 hour run and came back to home port to find that I had still accumulated almost 10 gallons of water in the bilge from the box. Should I try tightening the packing nut(s) to the point where it drips nothing statically and then check to see the drip rate under power? OR should I just bite the bullet and have it hauled and re-packed thus assuming the original packing done just a month ago was done improperly?

flyboyjack

[jleonard]

A new packing needs time to absorb some water before it gets adjusted. The "rule of thumb" I have always used is 1 to 3 drips per minute max while underway. If it drips at rest that's ok, but if you can stop it so much the better.
I would just adust it some more and see what happens. You can always re-do it in the water, it's no big deal, the boat won't sink.

[seasalt]

Jack,

I know that you can do it in the water but I have never had the intestinal fortitude to do it.

As I am sure that you know there are several very good, reasonably priced and double jointed boat mechanics here in Punta Gorda. If you don't know one, let me know. 409-739-9100 or seasalt007atAOL.

Ron