drippless stuffing box

[nauticalrich]

In trouble here guys!!!!
31 ft 1985 O Day Sloop
Previous owner had a drippless stuffing box installed.
I have the boat in the water and found it leaking from the boot. Tried to tighten the hose clamps but could not. Seems as if something inside is broken and the boot shoots out water if you move it slightly.

We put stuffing around the edge of the boot and ended up loosening the stainless object around the shaft, motor side, and forced it against the boot. It seemed to do the trick.
Forgive me for not knowhing what the stainless object is called.
This is my first diesel engine and am trying to learn.

The other problem is that we are iced in and not able to tow it. However our fix does seem to be holding.

Does anyone have any experience with this.
Maybe ice formed inside the boot and broke something?
Why won''t the boot tighten around whatever it is clamped to?
Is there supposed to be water inside the the boot?

I''m kind of lost here.

Thanks in advance for comments.

[Denr]

Nauticalfilthyrich:

One half of the face seal in your shaft seal is SS, the other half is plastic or graphite. The graphite or plastic side may have cracked. Tightening the hose clamp would have little or no effect in stopping the water. Alternatively, the hose could be split which might be difficult to see. The bad news is, a replacement part whether it be a hose or the face seal can only be installed by passing the drive shaft through it, haul the boat but read on.

Mine will leak if I happen to stand on the transmission and temporarily move it out of alignment with the shaft log. The way I stop it is by turning the transmission coupling 1-2 turns. The faces of the seal automatically align themselves again and voila no water!

[nauticalrich]

Thanks for the reply. I just talked with mechanic at Captain''s Cove. We plan to haul in March. The leak has completly stopped for now. I am watching closely.

They tell me that they will come over, remove the packing we stuffed in and there''s a good chance we can motor it over to Captain''s Cove in Bridgeport, CT.

Most people think I worry too much. Maybe I do?

Tks

[h37skipper]

To further answer your questions. No, you do not worry too much. I hope your temporary fix is a good one and that your bilge pump and batteries are good.

And yes, there is supposed to be water inside the bellows(hose). There is nothing to keep the water from coming into the boat through the shaft log around the shaft. The bellows, the two(four) clamps at either end, and the stainless seal are what keep the water out.