packing nut question

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 3:08 pm

hello all
I have what may be a stupid question but here goes,,
Im installing the new packing nut, brass assembly and putting in the packing rope, (flax) , Ive never done this before, but seems easy enough, as the boat came without the assembly installed, so Im installing it,
how many rows of that rope go in there, if I install one, it does not touch the end compressing it to create a seal, I find it almost takes four rows , is that correct? or am I missing something,
the assembly goes into the rubber boot, of course its clamped, then the prop shaft comes through with the nut that you put the rope into,
??
any info would help
I got it to stop leaking with 4 rows, but I dont think thats correct
also any alignment methods would help as well as I just installed a new velvet drive

if it matters, F25 77
thanks in advance

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 4:51 pm

It should only take three rows. Are you staggering the joints??
I usually smash mine flat a little with a hammer then I cut the joints at an angle

Ron

Struts and Rudders · Post by **Struts and Rudders** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:14 pm

Get yourself some GORE brand packing
It is produced by the same people that produce GORE TEX waterproof fabric used in cloths and shoes.
It does not have to drip
We installed it on our Hatteras several years ago and continues to works like a dream...do your rudderports too and she will have a dry bilge.

SRD

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:24 pm

yes Im staggering the joints, I suppose I could have gotten away with three,
I just wanted to make sure it was not unusual, I thought one would be enough, but guess not, maybe I can get a different brand, I just used what I had,
seems ok,

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:14 pm

3 is the norm What size packing did you use ? If you have a 1" shaft it calls for 1/4" packing

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:20 pm

3 is good - if 4 will fit, you're probably OK. What size did you use? 3/16"

Good tip on the Gore Flax - I'll look for it.

Struts and Rudders · Post by **Struts and Rudders** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:34 pm

Please be careful to watch the rotation of the shaft.

The rotation can sometime loosen the nut and well I am sure you know the rest of the drill...water in your boat.

Standard packing requires one drip about once every seven seconds...
I would look hard at the Gore stuff...very simple and doesn't need to drip.

I think there are several places on the web that will display a proper installation. I have seen sizing charts as well...I think the rule is something like 1\4 of your shaft diameter. Please confirm for yourself.

Practical experience of my own

angle the cut to create a lap joint
stagger the rings so the lap joints do not line up
Pay close attention as you re launch and use the boat for the first time...many a boat has sunk as a result of bad adjustment or installation.

SRD

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:36 pm

the GTU GORE SHAFT PACKING Is good stuff But you still need a slight drip running .

If your use too small of a packing that could be a reson you having proplems

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:50 pm

"the rule is something like 1\4 of your shaft diameter "
That is incorrect

for Buck Algonquin's packing boxes , that you find on trojans

1"shaft =1/4 packing

1 1/8 shaft = 3/16 packing

1 1/4 shaft = 1/4 packing

1 3/8 shaft = 5/16 packing

1 1/2 shaft = 1/4 packing

Struts and Rudders · Post by **Struts and Rudders** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:42 pm

thank you prowlerfish.

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:36 pm

Here's a good 'how to' - you can compare with what you did do. Usually 3-4 rows of packing are right. Make sure to use the locknut to keep the main gland from backing off.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box

Struts and Rudders · Post by **Struts and Rudders** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:23 pm

now that is some real information....good work Captain Maniac

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:01 am

as usual,, you guys are the best,, thanks all great advice, I think I got it right, but will def, look into the Gortex,,
boats in the water already and seems to be ok, I actually did this job with the boat in the water, not just the packing but the entire assembly,,lol was kinda funny, thank god for great bilge pumps,,,lol
thanks again guys