[C320-list] GFO Packing

[Warren Updike]

I use "SuperLube" synthetic grease for nearly everything. It is a dielectric meaning it doesn't conduct electricity so is good on such connections. It doesn't seem to harden with age like petroleum grease does. 

It is not necessarily good to grease mechanical fasteners as this reduces the bond. However, where the connection is subject to corrosion as is the shaft packing gland, it will help to keep the gland and locking nut from freezing. The purpose of the locking nut is to hold the gland so I don't think anything is compromised by a little SuperLube.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Ted Harrison [mailto:tharrison at innovations-plus.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2017 12:57 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] GFO Packing

Recommendation please. 

Two pieces in last year, added a third in this year but only 2.5 turns in the threads.

I am a little nervous with just 2.5 turns on the threads. 

Should I remove the third ? 

What grease are you using as well?

Ted Harrison

> On Apr 3, 2017, at 12:07 PM, ROBERT MILLER <r.miller at shaw.ca> wrote:
> 
> I just replaced my packing with GFO this weekend. This site is awesome, perfect timing for this thread. Removing the old packing was fairly easy with a sharp "L" shaped pick tool I bought to use on another repair. There were three rings, but I think the old material was a bit smaller in diameter. I used 1/4 inch GFO and it was very tight to push in. I used a blunt tool and worked it around until it was fully into the stuffing box.  I could only fit two rings, but there is ample thread left over. With three pieces there was no thread showing. Maybe Catalina used different sized stuffing boxes over the years? Applied anti seize to the threads and lock nut to make future adjustments easier. Looking forward to a drier bilge this season, launching tomorrow.
> Rob Miller
> Alchemy - hull #571
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Apr 2, 2017, at 11:40 AM, jbrown5093 at yahoo.com wrote:
>> 
>> Another packing removal tool.  Straighten an appropriate sized barbed fish hook. Use pliers to push into the packing and then pull out. 
>> 
>> Jim Brown
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>> On Apr 2, 2017, at 9:42 AM, Amiraults Family <amiraults at sympatico.ca> wrote:
>>> 
>>> All:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I too use GFO, and it leaks at season-start before reducing to next to
>>> nothing.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> A remark on removing old packing. Next time you're getting a dental
>>> cleaning, ask the technician for a set of used dental cleaning picks like
>>> the set just used on you. My request yielded two sets - one for me and
>>> another for a friend - and they do an excellent job on packing removal. Sit
>>> in the toolbox until needed.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Brian Amirault
>>> 
>>> 797 Waltzing Bear, too
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ---
>>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Apr 2, 2017, at 11:40 AM, jbrown5093 at yahoo.com wrote:
>> 
>> Another packing removal tool.  Straighten an appropriate sized barbed fish hook. Use pliers to push into the packing and then pull out. 
>> 
>> Jim Brown
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>> On Apr 2, 2017, at 9:42 AM, Amiraults Family <amiraults at sympatico.ca> wrote:
>>> 
>>> All:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I too use GFO, and it leaks at season-start before reducing to next to
>>> nothing.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> A remark on removing old packing. Next time you're getting a dental
>>> cleaning, ask the technician for a set of used dental cleaning picks like
>>> the set just used on you. My request yielded two sets - one for me and
>>> another for a friend - and they do an excellent job on packing removal. Sit
>>> in the toolbox until needed.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Brian Amirault
>>> 
>>> 797 Waltzing Bear, too
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ---
>>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>> 
>>