I have a stuffing box....repacked 10 years ago with a synthetic
packing....same as Chuck....dry when shaft not spinning, drip when
motoring...have not tightened the packing since installing.
Can't even imagine when I have to ever replace the synthetic stuffing.
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - #277
Halifax, N.S.
On 12/11/2019 7:34 PM, CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List wrote:
FWIW, I think the dripless seals are overrated. I've had my boat 18
years with the packing from the previous owner and I've never
tightened the packing gland. After a relaunch, a Yanmar engine
mechanic cautioned me from tightening the packing nut for three days
after a launch. He said wait three days for the boat to return to
floating geometry and it worked. It leaks for a few days after launch
and then returns to spec, dripping slightly during run and no drip
when shaft is still. Since I haven't taken it apart I can't say what
it is, but as an HVAC mechanic who worked on many large pumps with
carbon ring seals w SS springs, leaks were usually caused when carbon
rings cracked. Carbon is brittle and they were either tight or
leaking and didn't allow you to tighten the gland nut like old style
packing.
If I ever replace the packing on my boat it will probably be with the
synthetic stuff that still allows me to tighten the packing nut.
Chuck
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