[C320-list] I have a hot stuffing box...

[Chris Willems]

Kudos to e marine - I had contacted them earlier in
the week about my concern, and Paul had a
complimentary replacement set of GFO packing sent out
to me.  That is great customer service!

The box is still running warm... I did not ease back
on it today, and it is not as hot as it has been.  I
will change the stuffing and NOT tighten it down...

Jeff - the stuffing box leaked a bit from the aft end
- where the threads are - when I eased off on it for
the third time, and then snugged it up hand tight
until it stopped leaking.  I am concerned about
alignment and am going to have a professional look at
it next week.  I have a gap tester, but there is no
gap to test...

Joe-  I got the old stuffing out mostly using the 90
degree angle pick from the master mechanic MM186445 MM
4PC Hook & Pick Set.  I found it in my local hardware
store, or I'm sure you can find it online.

Chris 
Chrysalis #828

From:	catalina at thehares.com
To:	C320-List at Catalina320.com
Date:	 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 17:52:53 -0500 (CDT)
Subject:	 Re: [C320-list] Hot Stuffing Box, GFO
Plain Text Attachment [ Scan and Save to Computer ]
Chris,

   Just a thought, but if the shaft isn't aligned well
or isn't really
smooth where the GFO rubs, then, there could be enough
movement that it
won't stay sealed properly without being pretty snug
(generating more
heat).

The PSS dripless seal would also have issues there as
well.

Also, where is it leaking from?

1) out from the front where the shaft enters?

or

2) from the area where the threads are?

If it's #2, then I'd back of the locking nut, loosen
the stuffing box
 just
a *tiny* bit more, apply some teflon grease liberally
to the threads
 and
snug up the locking nut.  (I used teflon trailer hitch
grease)

Note that the mating surfaces of the lock nut and the
stuffing box
 should
be smooth and free of any burrs because without the
locking nut mating
cleanly, it is likely to leak.   After all, the
threads frequently
 aren't
water tight without a little help from the grease.

If it's leaking at the front, *don't* get any grease
there.

It seems to be ok for it to be comfortably warm.  If
it's uncomfortable
after motoring for a while, then it's a bit too tight
in my opinion.

BUT: Perhaps call the people at GFO and see what they
say?  (and let us
know?)

-Jeff


> Joe - I got the old stuff out with some picks I got
> from my local ACE hardware.  Especially useful was a
> partial-hook shaped one.  I'll be at the boat
tomorrow
> and can get you the specifics of these.
>
>
> Jeff - Thanks again for the help.  I backed off on
the
> stuffing nut for a third time, and it's running
> cooler, but not as cool as it did last year with the
> flax and more water drip.  Should I expect it to
> always run a bit warm?
>
> Thanks for all the feedback,
>
> Chris Willems
>
> "Chrysalis" #828
>
> *****
>
> How the heck do you get the old packing out?
> Joe Barrett
>
> Hi Chris,
>
>    I've seen the same thing on #809 when I first
> installed it.  I
>  simply
> backed it off so that it was loose, then just
"finger
> tip" tight.  Then
> tighten the lock nut against it (although I suggest
a
> little anti-sieze
> grease between the faces of the nut and lock nut so
> that it's easy to
> re-adjust later.
>
> It ran cool after that.  I also noticed a couple
drops
> of black goop
>  when
> it was running hot but nothing harmful after I
> loosened it up.
>
> Then keep an eye on it over the next dozen hours of
> motoring time and
>  you
> should be good to go.
>
> -Jeff H.
>
>
>