Packing Gland

[cwarren]

I was checking our packing glands over the weekend and noticed one of them has a steady stream of water linking through. I would like to tighten the packing gland, but I have a few questions before I do so. For starters, here is a picture.

http://www.warrencasa.com/images/temp/pg1.jpg

I assume I tighten the nut toward the rubber seal. What seems strange to me is I would expect there would be a locking nut. Is the locking nut missing?

Also, when I tighten it, how often should it drip? Should I just tighten it just enough that it doesn't get hot?[/img]

That is a pretty steady stream of water you've got there. Never owned anything with shafts so I can't really be of any help. What do you hold the other end with? I can only see the one octagon side.

[Tedster]

Well the uneducated way is to tighten until the leak slows down to a drip, then check to see if it get too warm. That being said it is not a good way to go since over tightening can be a disaster. Sometimes ya gotta spend the bucks! Ted :D

[cwarren]

Definitely a steady stream. I tightened it a little bit so the steam has slowed a bit, but I need to tighten it more. The part that seems strange to me is I would expect a locking nut in addition to the packing nut.

http://www.warrencasa.com/images/temp/pg2.jpg

[heymagic]

Chad...there is a locknut on the end of the packing gland. Loosen it and then crank the gland down until leak just stops. You should have a drip every 60 secs or so under way and then it should stop dripping after a while when sitting. You should be able to puty your hand on the packing gland under way and not be hot. If hot, too tight and the shaft will get scored or possibly warp. You can re-pack the shaft in the water. Two ways to do so...some people pull out all of the old stuff and insert 3 (usually) wraps of new flax, teflon impregnated is the best. Or some people just add a wrap from time to time and never replace it all. Either way is ok as long as that stream of water quits. Cut the flax to size first, ends should jjust touch. If replacing all , then orientate so the cuts don't line up, that makes a cut at every 120 degrees so no path for the water to creep through. The shaft is partially supported by the packing gland and sometimes you can get a vibration when the packing goes away. The packing actually rots away and gets washed out down the shaft. bnest to get a special wrench to tighten the gland with, kinda looks like a goofy Cresent wrench. Sometimes the locknut has to be loosened with a few taps of a chisel first. Don't crank on the gland with just one wrench...if that rubber hose breaks or tears you soon have a submarine. gene

[cwarren]

Gene, this is very useful information. I didn't realize the packing could be replaced while the boat is in the water.

In the first picture I posted I added an arrow. Do you think this nut splits in two where the arrow is pointing? It doesn't look like it does, but maybe it does? I'm trying to figure out where the locking nut and packing nut come together.

[heymagic]

X or rather arrow marks the spot. Get a big pair of channel locks and a gland wrench, hold the gland and back off the locking nut. I've had to take a chisel and hammer to get them unlocked before. You just get a good edge on the nut and give it a sharp whack, that should start it getting loose, then use pliers from there.

Here's a good resource:
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/Casey/StuffingBox.htm

Raul

[cwarren]

Thanks to everyone for your help on this. I tightened it up and the dripping has been greatly reduced. Now I just need to test it the next time we take the boat for a spin.

[Numbknots]

Gene,

Check me on this, but I have found that often you can get a little too much salt build up on the inside of the "packing nut and it can cause the gland tension on the packing to be irratic. I have had good luck cleaning up the whole mess now and again and maintaining it more often then not?

Tim

[heymagic]

Can't answer that one Tim. You're from Alaska ( real salt water)...we just have the watered down South Sound sewage :cry: Hey, did you sell the Trophy??

[Numbknots]

Gene,

no I didn't see the trophy and the deal on the Novurania didn't materialize either. I am in KC on family business/pleasure for a week (way to far from the water) I will put both in the trader when I return.

It was sure a lot of fun at the beer fest (i mean chowder fest) See ya all in a few.

Tim

Hey Tim;

You know where I got the most of my responses on my boat, was in Craig's List. Craig's List Seattle (http://seattle.craigslist.org/boa/)

You have to re-list it every few days... but a LOT of paople saw it.

[Numbknots]

Thanks Mike,

I will put an add on it. My Son said he purchased his last car from there as well as he is selling a Motocross bike on the list.

Tim

[bradvo]

where can I purchase this gland wrench you mentioned ( heymagic) are they marine store item only? I have tried my large channel locks and they do not work worth beans for me, I would rather buy the gland wrench then 2 larger pipe wrench if the job goes easier with this tool.
Thanks
Brad

[Numbknots]

Brad,

The pipe wrenches are the easiest, the gland wrench is the easiest to store aboard. Check the measurement of the gland nuts and if you are handy with a torch and a piece of flat metal, you can make one real easy.

West marine has them for $12.99 retail http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&&storeId=10001&langId=-1&productId=25825&ref=81902

Tim

PS: are you still moored at Chinook Landing?

[bradvo]

Excuse me, Last thing I need in my hands is a torch. Sounds like a project. First I would have to buy the torch, then the flat steele stock, this after driving around town on a weekend when I could be boating.
I will take the tip on WM you gave me- thanks. :lol:

Forgot, yes I am still at Chinook