stuffing box nut rotation direction

[jen1722terry]

Hi CDers!

Well, we hauled out today and started the fall layup/maintenance on our 1984 CD 31.

One thing we noticed over the summer is that our stuffing box was dripping about 6 drips/minute. It is the original Sparten and was removed and repacked last year when we replaced the engine.

Should we tighten the packing and lock nuts or just leave it?

If tightening to fewer drips/minute is preferred, which direction to we loosen the nuts (facing aft).

We did search to forums for advice but there seems to be varied opinions based on the type of stuffing box.

We have the Sparten stuffing box wrenches, but are not sure if they will fit in the narrow area that contains the stuffing box. We plan to use a large screwdriver and hammer.

Any advice will be most appreciated.

Happy fall sailing to all those lucking enough to still be in the water.

Jenn and Terry

[Frenchy]

Well, on my boat, which also has a spartan, you would loosen the lock ring first by turning clockwise if you were facing aft
(hit it on the port side).
Then, you could tighten the box a bit by also turning that wider ring clockwise. Finally, you would re-tighten the lock ring by turning
ccw (hitting it on the starboard side) while hopefully keeping the other wider nut from moving. It is easier to do than explain.
It wouldn't hurt to put a little lanacote or something similar on the threads to prevent corrosion. Good luck, Jean

[Boyd]

And adjust it while the boat is in the water. Otherwise you cannot determine if you have it tightened enough.

While you have it out you might as well repack it. Its cheap insurance in the unfortunate event the packing is worn out and cannot be tightened enough to stop the excessive dripping.

I found that the GFO packing was worth the extra small price.

Boyd
s/v Cat-a-Tonic
Prout 34
Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

[steveg]

Here is a good description of repacking the stuffing box, with pictures.

https://marinehowto.com/re-packing-a-tr ... ffing-box/

[Sleepwalker]

Here is a good description of repacking the stuffing box, with pictures.

https://marinehowto.com/re-packing-a-tr ... ffing-box/

Agree, good info in the marinehowto site. Do you remember what you repacked it with? If it were me, I think I'd tighten it just a titch rather than repack what was already repacked.