[C320-list] Hot Stuffing Box, GFO

[catalina at thehares.com]

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.
>
>
>