Correct packing flax size for CD28

[Rob Hindman]

I will be replacing the flax in my leaking stuffing box while my CD28 is in the water. Does anyone know the correct size? The engine (MD7A), shaft, stuffing box, etc. appear to be original equipment. Thanks!



Rhind0808@aol.com

[bob loewenstein]

I will be replacing the flax in my leaking stuffing box while my CD28 is in the water. Does anyone know the correct size? The engine (MD7A), shaft, stuffing box, etc. appear to be original equipment. Thanks!

I replaced the flax in my CD27 this year. I think the 28 is probably the same diameter shaft. Flax size was 1/4".



rfl@yerkes.uchicago.edu

[Mike Everett]

Speaking of sizes, does anyone know the size of the packing nuts on the stuffing box? (I've got a 1978 Cape Dory 28).
I used an adjustable wrench to tighten it up a couple of weeks ago, but I'd like to get a properly sized wrench. If anyone has this information, it will save me a trip into the locker with a caliper.
Thanks very much.



everett@megalink.net

[Anthony P. Jeske]

I will be replacing the flax in my leaking stuffing box while my CD28 is in the water. Does anyone know the correct size? The engine (MD7A), shaft, stuffing box, etc. appear to be original equipment. Thanks!

Rob:
Yes, it's possible to replace the packing while your boat is in the water, but it's very scary. You'll discover that water really pours in while you try to hurriedly replace the packing. It's very unnerving. Jam a rag or similar cloth around the shaft to slow down the inrush.It usually takes me about an hour or so to do this. I would suggest that you buy or borrow a set of packing hooks to help with removal of the old packing.
If this is the first time you're doing this, I would suggest that you just tighten the packing a little more, and wait until haul-out to do this. What if you discover the shaft is worn and has to be replaced? (Mine was)
Good Luck,
Tony Jeske



ajeske@ixpres.com

[Jerry]

Speaking of sizes, does anyone know the size of the packing nuts on the stuffing box? (I've got a 1978 Cape Dory 28).
I used an adjustable wrench to tighten it up a couple of weeks ago, but I'd like to get a properly sized wrench. If anyone has this information, it will save me a trip into the locker with a caliper.
Thanks very much.

Spartan Marine/Robinhood sells specially designed wrenches to fit the cape dory stuffing box.