[C320-list] Spring Projects

[Rick]

Bill,
 I used two rings of 1/4 inch GFO. Our boat initially came with three 3/16th inch flax packing rings. Unlike flax or even Teflon coated packing, the GFO will not normally require constant adjustments during a season as is the case when monitoring standard flax packing that will wear out and require either repacking or the addition of a ring every few years. However, there are a few conditions that could contribute to a leaking shaft in spite of using GFO. Just learn to trust the technology by following the correct installation process before you launch. See the discussion list for owner installation tips.

It may be a good time this spring to check that your shaft alignment is correct after your launch by waiting a couple  of weeks following for the hull to relax before you check the engine to shaft coupling alignment. While on the hard you may want to also inspect your cutlass bearing to be certain that it is also within tolerances because a worn cutlass bearing will cause the shaft log to leak over time requiring periodic compression of the GFO packing to maintain a dripless result. Engine to shaft coupling alignment as well as cutlass bearing wear are the two  major variables that contribute to a leaking shaft log providing that your shaft is not scored where the GFO packing contacts the shaft to provide a dripless (or near dripless) shaft log. I know because I had to address all of those variables when I last repacked the shaft log after replacing the shaft log to hull hose after 20 seasons.  
Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bill Hutt
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 10:39 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Spring Projects

Rick,

What size of the GFO packing did you end up using?

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 7:23 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Spring Projects

Bill,
1. Suggest you check the discussion list for suggestions about using Gore-Tex (GFO) dripless packing and look over this website: 
http://gfopacking.com/
2. Applying a liberal amount of simple green or  409 that contains an antifungal or bleach will also do a nice job of removing odors as well as enable you to  wipe up the residue from the water where those areas may be reached. I would be most concerned about running down the sources of water/odors entering the area under the sink and/or reaching below the liner. Again, check the discussion list for several ideas & approaches to identify your problems  by searching with broad key words such as "water leaks" or "smelly water under the sink, or liner", etc.
3. Again, check the discussion list again regarding the bilge pump and pay particular attention to owners who have a hull number near yours so that the appropriate solution is identified. From what you described, you may likely need to replace the bilge pump because that item is the difference between a nuisance issue and a very serious insurance claim and hull rescue/raising if the pump fails while you are away from the boat....
Rick
95' 320 My-Ria,  hull #277


-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bill Hutt
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 4:46 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Spring Projects

OK group, here’s what I’ve got planned for this spring.
1) Stuffing box, I’m going to redo the stuffing box. I’d like to set it up to drip as little as possible. What should I buy and what size?
2) Musty odor, the boat has developed some musty odors coming from under the sink and other closed spaces. I was thinking of using a a chlorine spray mixture and spray where I have access and then rinse it down to the bilge.
3) Bilge pump, my bilge pump is leaking water when it runs (Jabsco model 37202-0000). I have a spare pump from the fresh water system. Any reason why I couldn’t use this pump to replace the bilge pump?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bill Hutt
“Caribbean Soul” #570
Cleveland, Ohio