Stuffing box repacking -- rudder shaft

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M. R. Bober
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Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 08:59
Location: CARETAKER CD28 Flybridge Trawler

Stuffing box repacking -- rudder shaft

Post by M. R. Bober »

Has anyone done repacked their rudder shaft's stuffing box? I have backed the nut to the end of its threads, but it doesn't want to slide up. There doesn't seem to be a retainer, and I don't want to force it.

Any suggestions?

Mitchell Bober
Sunny Lancaster, (Where the sun never shines in the engine room.) VA
CDSOA Founding Member
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Matt Cawthorne
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Joined: Mar 2nd, '05, 17:33
Location: CD 36, 1982
Hull # 79

Re: Stuffing box repacking -- rudder shaft

Post by Matt Cawthorne »

Mitch,
You probably have this figured out by now, but there should be no reason that the stuffing box refuses to slide up the rudder shaft. It may be due to old tallow hardening on the shaft above the packing and holding it in place. At any rate you should probably be replacing the rubber stuffing box hose. Since I am making a new rudder mine is out now. Rudder is almost done. I hope all is well with you and Susan.


Matt
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jbenagh
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Joined: Sep 15th, '07, 21:02
Location: CD30 "Christine C"
Salem, MA

Re: Stuffing box repacking -- rudder shaft

Post by jbenagh »

Mitch,
When I did mine last year there was a small ring of corrosion around the top of the stuffing box that had that effect. Some light traps and twisting with large pliers freed it up. Then some 400 grit paper to clean the shaft.
Jeff
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