[C320-list] Stuffing box question

[Art Harden]

You can use a 3/4” pvc pipe plug (1” OD same size as the shaft) to precut the packing. Drill a hole that will accept the packing in the plug and close to one end. Insert the packing end and make four wraps. Cut at an angle with a razor blade and you will have your three pieces of packing pre cut. Be sure to grease the packing and rotate the joint locations about 120 degrees. 

Just my thoughts. I replace mine when on the hard so no issues on water coming in. I have thought of slicing a piece of swim noodle and putting it on the shaft if in the water, but I have never tried it. 

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

> On Nov 25, 2020, at 8:01 PM, Darren Hulbert <dhulbert at me.com> wrote:
> 
> I didn’t have much of a flow at all. I also used a small piece of PVC pipe cut in half to stuff the packing in the nut. (Thank you 320 forum!)
> 
> Reposado #816
> Channel Islands, CA
> 
>> On Nov 25, 2020, at 4:47 PM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>> 
>> So I’m preparing for a big step – changing the packing in my stuffing box for the first time.
>> 
>> All of the time I’ve owned diesels, I’ve never done this because the job required acrobatics beyond my capabilities. Obviously, with the 320, there is no reason not to learn to do this job myself.
>> 
>> First question: When you unscrew the nut, how much water comes rushing in? A gusher, a trickle? I know that each model of boat seems to be different. On my old Bristol, the mechanic reported there wasn’t much flow at all compared to other boats.
>> 
>> Second question: Assuming I’ve measured and cut the packing beforehand, do I need a wrap around where the water is coming in? This is a nod to my natural clumsiness and likely fumbling while under pressure to clean out the old packing as quickly as possible.
>> 
>> I was thinking an old bicycle tube wrapped around the shaft. Not leak proof, but enough to slow things down.
>> 
>> Any other good tips for a novice?
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
>> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>>