Running motor on dry land/stuffing box

bantrybayboston · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002

Hey,
I was wondering if it is bad for the stuffing box to run the motor while the boat is out of the water. Once I start the enging I can fiddle with the gears to get it into neutral, but there is some time when the drive shaft will be spinning.
Thanks,
Kevin

Sailmc · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002

Yes. It is definately a bad idea to run the engine out of the water. Your engine needs sea water for coolant and your stuffing box needs it for lubrication. You might be able to rig a hose for the engine but I don''t know what you could do to keep from burning up your packing or shaft seal whicever you have.

tsenator · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002

a couple of seconds won''t kill you. Just don''t leave it in gear long.

nauticalrich · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2002

What if they have a dripless stuffing box?

Sailmc · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2002

They still require water for lubrication