Grease to go with packing in stuffing box

[Bob Ohler]

I once had a boat mechanic tell me that he greases the inside of the packing nut when he re-packs them. Does anyone else have any experience with this? I am sure Morey's Red would be appropriate. I was looking for other CD'ers to weigh in on the this idea. Thanks!

[mgphl52]

grease or anti-seize on the threads would be a good idea. Not too sure about the packing.

[Paul D.]

I've used whatever the older version of this PTFE Lube is

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... id=2972474

It has served well with the PTFE Flax Shaft Packing.

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... &id=685565

I generally repack the stuffing box every two seasons in the spring.

[David Morton]

Here's another opinion:
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=2

Personally, I would not use the stuff because my packing nut with just the GORE stuffing is almost too tight by itself. I would be careful to avoid gumming up that tiny space between the nut and the shaft that allows a few drops to flow thru. But if you are having trouble with excessive dripping, even with new packing, then I suppose the Syntef might be useful.

David

[Bob Ohler]

Well, I removed the old packing and repacked the stuffing box. That is probably the worst job on a CD30. I'd do the seacocks on 10 CD 30's if I could to avoid having to repack the packing nut.

I did lightly grease the packing which helped allow the packing to slide inside the nut. In addition, the new packing was so tight it would not fit inside the nut all the way around. I solved this problem by slightly flattening the packing with a hammer, then installed the 3 individual wraps of the PTFE stuff. I thought I'd share this technique with everyone here.

[Sleepwalker]

Here is an interesting read on the subject.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=1

I used waterpump grease on mine years ago. Drydene I think was the brand. Probably not made anymore.

[Bob Ohler]

Thanks Sleepwalker. Good material as all of Maine Sale's are!