stuffing box squeaks

[jr438234606]

I just repowered. In the process, I repacked the stuffing box with the dripless Teflon compound. I notice now when I am motoring at low speeds, I detect a very slight squeak as the shaft turns. It only happens at idle, in either forward or reverse. Any speed above idle and the squeak stops. It's not loud, in fact I'm the only one who hears it, but that's because I'm tuned in.

Could this be a problem?

[Melrna]

I have the same problem but mine squeals in a range from 1800-2400 RPM's but only in forward. Not sure where it is coming from. I too changed the stuffing box to the new dripless GFO Fiber packing. I also aligned the engine to near perfect tolerances. Things I am considering, bent shaft, bad cutlass bearing or bad thrust bearing.
The problem with squeals is we can hear only in a limited range. As the shaft rotates faster I am afraid the cause of the squeal is still there but at a higher frequency that humans cannot hear.
Confused and Perplex

[jr438234606]

Melrna, did this only start to happen after installing the drippless compund?

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by jr438234606

I just repowered. In the process, I repacked the stuffing box with the dripless Teflon compound.

"Dripless Teflon compound?" Are you talking about this stuff? Halekai36, the sailor that wrote Re-Packing A Traditional Stuffing Box, the most thorough, detailed on-line treatment of re-packing a stuffing box I've found, doesn't think much of that stuff at all. I'd follow Hal's advice. In fact: That's just what I did.

Could you point us toward a web page describing the material you used?

Originally Posted by jr438234606

I notice now when I am motoring at low speeds, I detect a very slight squeak as the shaft turns.
...

Could this be a problem?

I would think so. Bearing surfaces (and prop shaft seals are a kind of bearing surface, in a way) that squeek, screech, whine, squeal, grind, etc. are not right. Noises like that do indicate a problem, IMO.

My hearing is so bad, esp. at high frequencies, that I wouldn't hear such a noise even if it existed on our boat . Luckily The Admiral has the hearing of bat or owl, and she'd hear it were it there.

Jim

[sailingdog]

I believe Melrna is talking about goretex packing, which is a different material entirely, and Halekai says this about the Goretex flax-replacement packing material:

This photo shows the old Teflon flax packing with the "miracle clay" and the new Gore GFO packing. I used the Gore GFO for half a season on my new boat before switching to a PSS again. The Gore is the best of the flax type packings but it too needs a few drips per minute to run cool and not damage the shaft. My one complaint with Gore GFO packing is that it tends to fray very easily and does not make the cleanest cuts even when using a brand new razor blade.

I believe the OP is talking about the other stuff... which really sucks.

[Melrna]

Originally Posted by jr438234606

Melrna, did this only start to happen after installing the drippless compund?

No, I had the problem before with the old stuffing material. When I took out the old and put in the new one, my shaft was scorch but I was able to wet sand it out. Before I realigned the engine, it was off by some 3 mm. It is now aligned perfect. But I dont' want to hijack this tread anymore than I have. This is what I put in.
SHAFT PACKING VIRTUALLY DRIPLESS 1/4"-Discount Inboard Marine

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I believe Melrna is talking about goretex packing, which is a different material entirely, and Halekai says this about the Goretex flax-replacement packing material:

Yes, I had read that before purchasing the Gore GTU and re-packing our stuffing box. FWIW: Using a brand-new single-edged razor blade, and making an effort to cut very smoothly and cleanly, I had no problem with Gore GTU fraying badly--though it looked like it might tend to if not handled properly.

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I believe the OP is talking about the other stuff... which really sucks.

That's what I suspect.

Jim

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by Melrna

I have the same problem but mine squeals in a range from 1800-2400 RPM's but only in forward. Not sure where it is coming from.

Perhaps you could use a stethoscope or a piece of tubing to nail it down? Probably a real PITA doing that while the boat's under way. And you certainly couldn't get to the cutlass bearing area that way .

Originally Posted by Melrna

Things I am considering, bent shaft, bad cutlass bearing or bad thrust bearing.

I would think a bent shaft would be more likely to manifest itself in vibration than squeal. Can't comment as to a bad cutless bearing or thrust bearing.

Jim