Hello to All
Since re-packing Rhapsody's stuffing box this spring I have been concerned abut the number of drips per minute. Everything I have read says that 4 or 5 drops a minute are fine. I am currently getting 2 drops per minute and if I try to "fine" tune the retaining nut I get either a steady drip (never counted it but would be in hte 15-20 range) OR nothing at all...I just cant seem to find the micro spot where the magic number of4 or 5 or 6 come in.
Now THe drip pan is dry and with the engine engaged I get a constant drip of 2 about every 63 seconds. IS that enough water?????
Thanks for your input.
Bill
S/V Rhapsody (the original)
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
Stuffing Box drips
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Leo MacDonald
Re: Stuffing Box drips
Hi Bill,
Packing is kind of one-way, i.e. when repacking you leave it loose until sea trials. After motoring for a bit gradually adjust it down until the 4 - 5 - 6 drops per minute is reached, maybe readjusting after a few more outings if drips appear excessive. Once over tightened I'm not sure if backing off will work - more knowledgeable CD'ers might jump in.
Fair Winds,
Leo
macdore@aol.com
Packing is kind of one-way, i.e. when repacking you leave it loose until sea trials. After motoring for a bit gradually adjust it down until the 4 - 5 - 6 drops per minute is reached, maybe readjusting after a few more outings if drips appear excessive. Once over tightened I'm not sure if backing off will work - more knowledgeable CD'ers might jump in.
Fair Winds,
Leo
Bill wrote: S/V Rhapsody (the original)
macdore@aol.com
-
Larry DeMers
Re: Stuffing Box drips
Bill,
"...Is it enough water?" Yes, maybe if the water temp is such that your packing gland is cool to the touch when the boat is under power for an hour or more. Carefully test the temp with your hand on the gland itself. Should be cool to the touch..ie; at ambient water temp.
In other words, if your sea temp is 85 deg., then I would not be surprised if a more generous drip would be needed. However, up on Superior, the sea temp was 50 deg. today, so a slower drip rate is all that is needed to cool the packing gland and accomplish the lubrication needed.
Mine is currently at about 2-3 per minute and it is fine. I use Teflon impregnated flax packing..I highly recommend this method by the way...Prop Shaft and Rudder Shaft packing.
The test of course is the condition of the prop shaft at the point of the packing glands contact with the shaft. It should be smooth, shiny and not pitted at all. Pitting indicates Crevice Corrosion most likely, and is a cause for concern over the strength of that shaft.
Nor should there be an edge to the channel where the packing rides. Damages in this area of the shaft can cause the shaft to fracture at that point, given the right conditions. Check this yearly at a minimum, by backing off the packing nut and checking it out..I use a mirror and penlight. Good insurance..
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~Sailing the snow gales on Lake Superior....brrr~~~
demers@sgi.com
"...Is it enough water?" Yes, maybe if the water temp is such that your packing gland is cool to the touch when the boat is under power for an hour or more. Carefully test the temp with your hand on the gland itself. Should be cool to the touch..ie; at ambient water temp.
In other words, if your sea temp is 85 deg., then I would not be surprised if a more generous drip would be needed. However, up on Superior, the sea temp was 50 deg. today, so a slower drip rate is all that is needed to cool the packing gland and accomplish the lubrication needed.
Mine is currently at about 2-3 per minute and it is fine. I use Teflon impregnated flax packing..I highly recommend this method by the way...Prop Shaft and Rudder Shaft packing.
The test of course is the condition of the prop shaft at the point of the packing glands contact with the shaft. It should be smooth, shiny and not pitted at all. Pitting indicates Crevice Corrosion most likely, and is a cause for concern over the strength of that shaft.
Nor should there be an edge to the channel where the packing rides. Damages in this area of the shaft can cause the shaft to fracture at that point, given the right conditions. Check this yearly at a minimum, by backing off the packing nut and checking it out..I use a mirror and penlight. Good insurance..
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~Sailing the snow gales on Lake Superior....brrr~~~
Bill wrote: Hello to All
Since re-packing Rhapsody's stuffing box this spring I have been concerned abut the number of drips per minute. Everything I have read says that 4 or 5 drops a minute are fine. I am currently getting 2 drops per minute and if I try to "fine" tune the retaining nut I get either a steady drip (never counted it but would be in hte 15-20 range) OR nothing at all...I just cant seem to find the micro spot where the magic number of4 or 5 or 6 come in.
Now THe drip pan is dry and with the engine engaged I get a constant drip of 2 about every 63 seconds. IS that enough water?????
Thanks for your input.
Bill
S/V Rhapsody (the original)
demers@sgi.com
-
Bob Loewenstein
Re: Stuffing Box drips
No problem (at least with flaxen packing).Leo MacDonald wrote: Once over tightened I'm not sure if backing off will work - more knowledgeable CD'ers might jump in.