Stuffing Box

kimshack · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject:

After getting my boat back last Saturday after 9 weeks, I discovered that the stuffing box leaks at about 2 drops per second. I've read this post throughly, in addition to the link which was presented earlier, but still need some help in trying to fix this.
I spoke with John, and he stated that the smaller nut in the rear is the lock nut, and I would need to loosen that then finger tighten the bigger nut which contains the flax.

I tried to loosen the lock nut, tried both clockwise and counterclockwise, using a pack nut wrench which I just picked up yesterday. It wouldn't budge. Besides being in a location which is very difficult to get to, therefore I couldn't apply alot of pressure, in addition to the fact that I didn't want to put too much torque on it and break something.

So, I wanted to get your expertise.

Which nut is the locknut?
Which direction do I turn the lock nut, as I'm facing the stern? Clockwise? Counterclockwise
Which direction should the nut with the flax be turned to tighten?

Here is the link to the stuffing box. I've got it listed in my album.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album357&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

kimshack · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:02 pm Post subject:

The top of the picture goes to the prop, and the bottom goes to the motor.

davehogue555 · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:38 pm Post subject:

Kimshack.........I haven't tackled mine yet, so I'm not the right person to answer your questions. Maybe Ranger Jeff will give us some info. What in the world did you have done to Kimshack that took 9 weeks

Sounds expensive Exclamation

journey on · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:14 pm Post subject:

I had a sailboat with packing. Tried adjusting it, either too tight or too loose, and there always was water in the bilge. When I hauled it to paint the bottom, I installed a PSS Shaft Seal. Its a carbon/stainless rotating joint, loaded by the bellows used to seal the shaft. It's also used on rocket engines on the propellant pumps. That was the end of the problem, and I kept the boat for another 10 years. They only cost ~250 bucks, and with what they get for a boat these days, and the pain in the rear stuffing boxes are, I don't understand why the factory doesn't use them.

Install it yourself next time the boat is on a trailer. It's easy to put on, and well worth the effort. In addition, you'll have a dry bilge.

Boris

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:25 pm Post subject:

kimshack - looking at your photo, it appears that turning the nut to the right will loosen it. It would be easier to tell from a photo, if it is taken more from a top angle, instead of the angel of your photo.
________
Dave