Found my Stuffing Box... WFT?!?

[krozet]

So if anyone remembers, I had some diffuculty actually finding my stuffing box... BUT I did find it today and there is a weird contraption attached to it.



That tube coming out of the top is connected to this...



and inside that thing is this goop...



Obviously this is a lubrication setup but how do I tell if it is working at all or what lubrication to put in the dispenser...

Any thoughts from the experts?

Robert

[poopdeckpappy]

Is that cap threaded on the inside all the way to the top ? If so, replace the fitting at the bearing and the line ( with a clamp ) clean the res base, fill the cap with grease then replace it, open the valve at the bearing and twist the T-handle on the grease reservoir forcing the grease though the line to the shaft bearing.

Me thinks

[CharlesRiver]

Looks like the stuffing box I had on my Contest 27. Pack the container with boat trailer wheel bearing grease, replace the top and turn untill you feel a little resistance. Turn again every few engine hours and you should never have a problem with it. y boat was 12 years old when I purchased it and I sailed her for 14 additional years without so much as a drop of water entering the bilge. Just keep grease in the container and remember to give it a twist every once in a while. "So easy a powerboater could do it."

[mitiempo]

The previous posters are correct. European built boats routinely have remote greasers for the stuffing box. I've had them on 2 previous boats.

[christyleigh]

Similar setup on my NC. I would add that at least on mine, the grease is better dispersed - provides a better seal - if you crank it in while the shaft is spinning.