[C320-list] Sterngland adjustment question

[Utility Email]

I did the same thing. 

Bought these two wrenches from McMaster Carr. 

Considering how important the packing gland is, it is smart money. 

Kinda amazing that these boats as well as all others don't come with these specialized wrenches as part of their factory delivery. 

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, Washington



On Jun 2, 2013, at 12:46 PM, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com> wrote:

> Try purchasing the correct size of this wrench and you won't ever consider anything else...
> 
> http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/119/2735/=n0rq4h
> 
> For my 1999 boat I purchased two of the specific item...
> 
> 5414A35 30 Degree Tight Access Open-End Wrench Satin Chrome Finish, 1-7/8" Size, 8-9/16" L O'all
> 
> They are a bit pricey, but I found those cheaper West Marine wrenches (which are just cheap plumbing wrenches marked up to "marine" prices) to be difficult to use. It was hard to get them set at the right size and harder to get them to stay set. And I have had more than one of them actually break on me in use. The wrenches above sold by McMaster-Carr are highest quality, need no adjustment, will not strip your nuts,  and will outlive the boat. I keep a pair of them in the lower "drawer" behind the door to the aft cabin.
> 
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
> 
> On 6/2/2013 3:19 PM, Warren Updike wrote:
>> WM has what they call: SEAFIT Adjustable Packing Nut Wrench Model # 290280
>> Manuf. # 51008 $20. This nicely fits the thin locking nut.  One of these on
>> each works well.
>> For the larger packing nut, many other wrenches will suffice.  I use an oil
>> filter tool the operates like pliers because it is light and small enough,
>> yet sufficient to move the nut.
>> 
>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Pat Ireland [mailto:cherie320 at gmail.com]
>> Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2013 12:20 AM
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Sterngland adjustment question
>> 
>> Harbor freight sells a set of pump wrenches for $45-50.  One of those
>> wrenches can be cut in half to make two 1-7/8" wrenches.  Alternatively you
>> can purchase a pair of plumbing drain wrenches.  They are usually aluminum
>> and are adjustable to fit the gland nuts.  Pat, 801
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
>> sailorlew at aol.com
>> Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 4:41 PM
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Sterngland adjustment question
>> 
>> I believe the nut sizes are 1 7/8. Use Goretex packing & you don't have to
>> worry about a drip rate anymore.
>> 
>> 
>> '
>> http://www.emarineinc.com/products/GFO-Packing%2C-1%7B47%7D4-in.%286-mm%29-2
>> -foot.html
>> Lew
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk>
>> To: c320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Thu, May 30, 2013 6:42 pm
>> Subject: [C320-list] Sterngland adjustment question
>> 
>> 
>> Looking at the manual one part says that the stern gland stuffing box should
>> be adjusted to 1 to 2 drops per minute (engine off)  and another part says 4
>> to 15 drops per minute, which seems rather a lot - anyone care to give some
>> advice?
>> 
>> Secondly we have in the past had a contractor do this adjustment because we
>> don't have any wrenches big enough.  This is getting repetitive and
>> expensive so I want o buy some wrenches but have no idea of the size of the
>> nuts (I'm currently 450 miles from the boat!). Does anyone her know the
>> correct size?
>> 
>> I watched one contractor and he tested/measured the water loss rate only
>> when the engine and props haft were turning, but not user what would be an
>> appropriate rate in that case?
>> 
>> Thanks in anticipation of the answers!
>> 
>> Graeme
>> #303, England.
>