[C320-list] Repacking the Packing Gland

[Art Harden]

If you buy a 3/4 PVC plug it is 1” in diameter. I drilled a 1/4” hole at the direction of wraps and then wrapped the packing four times and then cut them at an 45* angle with a razor blade. This gives you three pieces of precut packing. Then place in the sheave with 120* rotation between joints. You will need to adjust it about 3-4 times before it will all seat fully. 

Buy a cheap pick set at Harbor Freight or hardware store to help pull out any old packing. 

Art Harden
Catalina 320 “Tortuga” #243
937-477-5544

> On Sep 10, 2019, at 6:51 PM, Charles Martin <chiprmartin at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thanks so much for responding, Dan.  Great idea.  I'll let you know how my
> attempt works out.
> 
> Best,
> Chip Martin
> Sail # 767 -- *Bonaventure*
> (410) 231-0199
> chiprmartin at gmail.com
> 
> 
>> On Tue, Sep 10, 2019 at 6:27 PM Dan Kolean <dkolean60 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I worked on my stuffing box (packing gland) in the water.  I took a
>> bicycle inner tube and cut it open so it was a flat piece of rubber about
>> 12” long.  I pulled the nut back and wrapped the shaft and “housing” and
>> zip tied each end.  It was almost water proof,  no need to hurry on the
>> repack.  I used something synthetic, not rope to pack the nut.
>> Once it wore in a little and I got it adjusted it works great.
>> 
>> Dan Kolean.   #489. ENRICH
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>> On Sep 10, 2019, at 8:32 AM, Charles Martin <chiprmartin at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> My boat has been on the hard for over 4 years (I was on assignment); and
>>> when launched, the packing gland was leaking about a drop every few
>>> seconds.  I tried to tighten the gland, but the dripping actually got
>> worse
>>> (I think the old hemp packing has deteriorated).
>>> 
>>> Has anybody changed packing with their boat in the water?  If so, any
>> hints
>>> on how to minimize water ingress during the process.  Is it better to
>> just
>>> do a short haul?
>>> 
>>> Best,
>>> Chip Martin
>>> *Bonaventure* - Sail #767
>>> (410) 231-0199
>>> chiprmartin at gmail.com
>>