Packing gland leak

[benajah]

Hi all. I am new into my first boat with an inboard, and just a few days ago, after running my engine for awhile to charge the batteries while I did some other work on the boat my packing gland started dripping a drop every 3 seconds and has stayed that way after cooling, dropping significant water into the bilge after several days.
Before it was dripping almost nothing at rest, but every 5 seconds when running after being warmed up.
I know how to replace the packing, but don't want to do it with the boat in the water, was planning on hauling it for painting and other hull work at the end of the summer.
Any ideas on why it would suddenly change it's leakage rate? Should I be worried or is this a pretty common thing that just needs frequent adjustment?

[Faster]

Try adjusting it some... keep an eye on how warm it gets afterwards and tend to it when you haul... although it's not that traumatic doing it afloat....

[CalebD]

What Faster said.

Before adjusting the packing and locking nuts I'd recommend spraying them with something like PB Blaster several days before you put wrenches on them. This can make the whole procedure easier if the nuts turn easily.

If you can't improve the situation by tightening it in small adjustments then it is time to re-pack the gland.

And NO, the packing gland should not require frequent adjustment. The packing material does deteriorate eventually and is likely on the list of every 5 years maintenance items. You really only should need to monitor that your stuffing box is not dripping excessively and not getting hot due to friction (overtightened nuts). And YES, it does require some adjustment after you have replaced the packing as it should drip a bit while the shaft is spinning but not get too hot.

That sounded so dirty but I had to say it.

[benajah]

Thanks for the information. I am watching my very young daughter this week and cant get to it until saturday. I keep expecting a call from the marina saying my boat has sunk.

[Tynesider]

Originally Posted by benajah

Any ideas on why it would suddenly change it's leakage rate? Should I be worried or is this a pretty common thing that just needs frequent adjustment?

You do not say if you have a grease pipe to the stuffing box! if you have I would pump some grease down to it 'before doing anything',usually after running the engine for a day I pump down by about 2 turns on the greaser.

Mike