Re: catalina27-talk: stuffing box

[Chris Maddox]

There's something profound and exciting about deliberately opening a hole in your hull while it's in the water.  But it's nothing to panic over; I've done this a couple of times and let in about a gallon or two each time. I use the Gore packing, it works very nice and I can get the gland adjusted to about 1 drop/minute while the motor is running, and zero when it's not, and the box and shaft stay nice and cool.  It will take some running time to get the adjustment right. Chris -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Nov 2, 2008 4:07 PM To: catalina27-talk@memberclicks.com Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: stuffing box Jim   You need  3/16" packing to replace the old.  Sounds like Ralph knows what he is talking about.  Experience!!    If possible I suggest that you replace the packing when the boat is out of the water.  I found the most difficult part of the operation was to loosen  the lock nut.  If your galley is mid ship, I suggest you access the stuffing box from the port side quarter berth through the access panel in the floor of the berth.  That way you can get your hands on two wrenches.  It also helps if you have another person working with you from the other side of the engine.     John Jennings    In a message dated 11/2/2008 3:02:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:   ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Bernstorf" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <catalina27-talk@memberclicks.com> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 8:15 AM Subject: RE: catalina27-talk: stuffing box > While we're talking about engines, has anyone done the stuffing box > repacking themselves? > >> Jim Bernstorf > 1978 TR > Nashville,TN       Jim,   IMHO,,  It's an easy job.. IF .. you prepare before hand.     First, and MOST important!   Get a SMALL "T" handled extraction tool. The tool MUST have the Wire Screw type end. I know other folks say a "bent fish hook" ..or other home made tools work..But, save yourself some grief and get a professional extraction tool..   AND I mean SMALL screw extractor!  The one I use has a Wire Screw of......   3/16 ths (~ 5 mm) You may have to go to a plumbing story to find one. Not many Marine Supply shops carry the small ones. The Screw end... HAS to be slightly smaller than the thickness of the Packing Flax you're using !   Second: Measure and CUT the packing material you're going to use. Put it somewhere close where you can reach. Use the prop shaft to measure each of at least,... FOUR rings of packing. You only Need 3, The 4th is a standby. Without it, dropping one means you close the Gland ..And start all over!! Make angled overlapping cuts in each flax ring.    Finally,  Have a TOWEL or cloth ready AND.....wrap around the Shaft Log and keeper nut...As soon as you pull the Packing Glad away from the Shaft Log. Water will pour out. The towel will act as a cover over that part. It won't stop the flow, but reduces the splatter. Water SQUIRTS in all directions . You don't want it to hit you in the face while you're trying to work!   Each time I've done it, I get a couple GALLONS of water winding up in the bilge.    HINT:   Experiment a couple times,, By loosing the nut until water starts flowing..Then close the gland and nut again Do that a few times to get used to the process.  That'll do two things for you.  It'll help reduce some of the apprehension. Having never done it, it'll seem scary the first time. Experimenting will also give you an idea of the flow of water, and how it spreads out.. After a couple "tests" like that .. You'll feel pretty confident.. Trying to do the whole thing before you have a little experience isn't fun..  Don't Ask .. :-)   HINT:  If you have trouble...  HAND tighten the nut back into the Gland to slow down the water.. Don't Panic, take your time.   You can do it..     All the Best,   Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" Gresham OR     Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals!