Re-Packing Shaft Coupling ?

rap55 · Post by **rap55** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 6:57 pm

Has anyone done this with the boat in the water...If so...Should I try it ?

Also...Seems to be a lot of steam at exhaust outlets at transom. Temp is about 175 on both gauges at 2800 rpm. No steam at idle or low rpm. Looks to be enough water flow out the exhaust.
Water surface temp. was about 75 degrees and the air temp was about 78 degrees when we ran her last.
Running twin PCM 454`s with closed cooling for the blocks and raw water at the exhaust. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Rick / F-36 / MissKitty

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:18 pm

You can repack the gland in the water. You can either replace all the packing or just add one length to get you by until your next haul out. Get everything ready. You'll need a thin pick with a little hook on the end to pull the old stuff out. Before removing the nut, wrap the packing around the shaft to get your size and cut. Cut as many as you need, 3 if replacing all. I have used a large rag to tie around the shaft to hold back most of the water while I replace the packing but it is manageable without it, just work fast and make sure your bilge pump works!

The steam could be from restricted exhaust manifolds and elbows or insufficient water flow.

reelfishin · Post by **reelfishin** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:13 pm

I definately would make sure you have the right size packing and make sure you offset the seams. I have never done it in the water on our old boat. Our boat now has dripless shaft seals.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:35 pm

Imo doing it in the water is the best way

jddens · Post by **jddens** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:25 am

Hey Paul, just curious....why in the water the best way?.......John

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 4:44 am

If you do it in the water you can do the initial tighening right away not like me. Mine gets launched tomorrow and I have to tighten mine up right after launch.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 6:49 am

jddens wrote:Hey Paul, just curious....why in the water the best way?.......John

because you can adjust it to get the right amount of drip .also the water coming in helps flush out some of the old packing when your digging it out.

A lot of water comes in when doing this so getting over the fear factor may not be easy . may not before the light hearted

and there is no stopping once you start

This is the best way for me but may not be best way for others , if you have never done a repacking then maybe on land the first time maybe best as the water coming ing in adds panic to the job .