OI 33 rudder packing

[333jim]

I have a 77 oi 33 ,the packing at the top of the rudder post is leaking,it looks like the top of rudder tube has a large round nut? that I assume threads off with a pipe wrench but i am not sure if it's that simple. also what will i get into in terms of the rudder shaft bearing if there is one, and is the packing just a flax as in the prop shaft or something else, any help would be great ,and possibly a reference to an online site that could help me. Thanks 333jim

[j1budo]

Hey ther 333Jim;

I have the original manual for my 74' O/I and according to that, the rudder packing gland has a tapered thread and you can not over tighten it to stop the leaking like the shaft packing. It did say that you should use 3 rings of packing with the breaks in the packing 180 degrees apart. Tighten nut to it's jammed state and the leaks should be gone. The only thing it did not mention is the size of the packing. 3/16 square packing is what is used on the prop shaft and you could double check that without taking out the packing on the prop shaft.

Hope that helps.
Jeremy

[ec_zoomer]

I have just replaced the packing on my 76 #207 and found 2 rings of 5/16". I used a white teflon packing material with teflon grease and its working fine.
Morgans Rule!
Ed