Stuffing box won't drip!

[David Morton]

I've had the stuffing box packing changed this winter, using the new Gore synthetic stuff. I've used it before on my previous boat with good results. This time, however, no matter how loose I leave the packing nut with lots of dripping, as soon as I tighten up the lock nut (being careful to hold the packing nut in place) the dripping stops. I've also noted that a black graphite-like residue seeped out of the top of the box and I wonder if it is clogging up the works and preventing the water from dripping out the top of the nut. The packing box nut does slide up and down the shaft pretty easily when completely unscrewed from the male end, but it does leave this smear of graphite on the shaft. Bottom line is the box gets hot when the shaft is turning with no dripping.
Has anyone else experienced this problem with the new synthetic packing? Should I continue to run it with the hope that eventually the water will flush it out and allow it to drip properly?

David

[Gary H]

I installed the Gore GFO packing two years ago. It has never dripped; however, the box does not feel warm to the touch so I stopped worrying about it. All seems fine.

[David Morton]

Quite right. It is not the lack of dripping that concerns me. After running about 15 minutes the stuffing box is 140 F. My experience with GFO in my previous boat resulted in temps barely above sea temp, even after prolonged running. Hoping things will settle. I'll give a few hours of run time and reassess.