Talk about frustration!!

DrB · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

This is just a frustration rant.

My Stuffing Box leaked like a sieve at the end of last year, so this weekend I repacked it with the Gore Teflon/GTX material. Pretty easy to do, even getting the old flax out. Two hours max. Cleaned everything up after reassembly, looks good.

Cleaned up the grime off the bellows hose and stood back and admired my work. Well now that everything is cleaned, got back in there and did a quick inspection of the bellows hose and the hose clamps connect it to the Stern Tube and Stuffing Box. Clamps look good, but I think I saw evidence of microcracking in the hose. Crap!! Well now that has to be replaced and the boat is scheduled to be launched in less than 3 weeks.

So I grab the Mrs to help remove the shaft coupling to start the process. Set screws come out without issue, and 3 of the 4 flange bolts, but the fourth bolt is stuck, I mean stuck. Tried PB Blaster on it, but so far after a few attempts still no luck. It's getting to the point where I may have to pay to get someone to remove it, as I have a bunch of other things to do and if I miss my launch date, I am the mercy of the yard and maybe charged per day.

I'm sure things will work out, but this is just a PITA right now.

DrB

timebandit · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Didja try tighting it first?

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

PBlaster takes a while to work... let it sit overnight. Also, try using an impact wrench on it... that might do the trick when a regular wrench fails miserably.

Heat can also work quite effectively... a torch applied to it judiciously might also do the trick.

xort · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

I had a bolt that would not come out. I soaked it with PB over and over again for a week. Each time trying to turn it. After about a week, it came out. Every time you spray some PB, give the bolt several light taps with a hammer to help it work into the threads

sailortjk1 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Hope it works out for you DrB.
I think the others have given you good advice.
You might want a heads up, we pulled our coupling this weekend too.
I need to replace our seal as well, but we have a dripless.
Anyway, after pulling the coupler and the nut on the shaft that holds it I place (we don't have set screws from the sides, but the end of the shaft is threaded and a large retaining nut sits under the coupler), the shaft was still seized into the coupler. Our next step is to get a gear puller.
Even after you get the coupler removed, you MAY have another obstacle to over come like we found. Not saying its a given, but it could happen.

BTW, why would the yard charge you per day? Are you beyond your contracted storage agreement? I think mine is till the end of May.

DrB · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Quote:

BTW, why would the yard charge you per day? Are you beyond your contracted storage agreement? I think mine is till the end of May.

Well no, but I did have them put me in a spot to be first in, which for some people is in front of other boats at my stoarge place. For me, I am in me only a one deep row, so I am not blocking any one. However, if you are in front of another boat and don't launch when you are scheduled to and impede others from getting their boats in the water when the want, they can charge you for a double move, to get the others behind you.

Also, if they step your mast and prepare for launch and then don't launch, they consider that a double move, so you are charged. They step the boat near the lift, not at your spot, so your boat is moved for the stepping.

If I let them know, I should be fine, but this is my first time with these guys and I had a little heartburn during pullout with the tide levels, so I don't 100%know.

DrB

celenoglu · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Heating is a good solution. The othrr way around is cooling. Use a spray that will cool down the joint. Cooling can more easily applied to places where heat can damage.

BarryL · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Hey,

I hear you. I need to replace the stuffing box hose on my boat. I took a good look at the coupling and everything is rusted together. I asked the yard to do it, and they said that everything is so corroded that they are afraid to try and take it apart. They recommend a new shaft, coupler, cutless bearing etc. I can deal with all that, but to get the shaft out the rudder needs to get dropped, etc.

I'm thinking of waiting until next year so I can do the job right, but first I need to take a real good look at the stuffing box hose.

And of course, I want to launch in two weeks.

Barry

codmander · #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

hand impact tool sold at sears