Packing gland???????

[wildcard]

So I redid the stuffing box, just like every time I have done them before. This time it has decided not to leak or even drip. I can take the compression ring off and it still wont leak? I know there is water in there but it is getting pretty warm and not getting wet enough. Any suggestions?

[Sabreman]

A non-dripping stuffing box will eventually overheat and at a minimum wear the shaft. If you can get the shaft out, I'd invest the $250 or so for a dripless shaft seal. I replaced the stuffing box on both my Sabres with PSS shaft seals and have never had a moment's trouble.

Good luck, the stuffing box MUST drip or you'll have quite a few problems.

[camaraderie]

I'd take the packing out with a hook awl and make sure you get all of it...then start over making sure you have the right size packing material. It should leak a bit when underway...but may be watertight at the dock.

[wildcard]

It is the right size, it was greased going in, it went in right. It has four layers of packing. Is it possable that is too much? Im not going to haul it again if I can help it. And no, I don't want dripless, no need and many don't like them.

[camaraderie]

Wild...OK..that's good info. Have you actually run the engine in gear since re-packing or are you just observing no water after installation? If the latter...just get in gear and see what happens.
If the former...I would unscrew the gland nut and pull out one ring and try it in gear...then two rings and try it in gear. I wouldn't go further than that without pulling it out of the water.
If the shaft is getting WARM but not HOT under speed...you can just try to pull a ring or two and motor without damage. My guess is that you've got a tight seal due to the grease and that will cure itself over time. Keep an eye on the shaft temp but don't worry about a little warmth.

[dvpamenter]

I have had the PSS Dripless Shaft Seal for several years and have had absolutely no problem. Its a good option.

[SailorMitch]

If you use the "new" packing material of either Gore-Tex (probably the best choice) or teflon, you can tighten it up enough so that you won't get a drip at all, and the shaft stays cool. Those materials are made so that drips aren't necessary and in my mind, negate the need for something like the PSS seal.

Chances are, if you have used regular flax (which you ought to replace with one of the above anyway) it will start to drip after the first use anyway. I always had to readjust the nut when I used the old stuff.

[longwaterline]

Back off on the packing nut. you may have overtightened.

[Vasco]

Wildcard,

I always repack my stuffing box while the boat's in the water. Just wrap some inner tube rubber around the shaft log while you're doing it. Nothing comes in. No need to haul.

[wildcard]

It has run for about 5 hours. It is hot enough that you can't leave your hand on it for too long while running. The compression ring can be removed and it still wont drip so I know it's not too tight. I fully expected it to break in and start driping but it hasn't. It even feels sloppy on the shaft, that is I can freely move the gland back and forth within the limits of the soft tube. The damn thing should be driping!