'04 340 Rudder packing nut sizes

[DaleM]

I've looked high and low and have yet to find a solid source for the rudder packing nut sizes on my boat. Manuals - nothing. Google - nothing definitive. They are leaking and in need of tightening. I tried to use a ford wrench but the flats aren't long/deep enough. I need a wrench with a short handle. I broke a slip nut wrench. I'm TRYING to stay away from a pipe wrench because I don't want to gouge out the bronze. I set the jaws of a ford wrench so they would fit over the cap nut flats and measured - 2.75" (so I thought). I found a place online that sold the wrenches but the one I bought (2.75") was too small (slightly), or my measurements were just slight off trying to measure it the way I did. Do I need 2+7/8"? I could just file out what I bought to fit in theory. The wrench I bought is only slight too small.

Does anyone know what size packing wrench you need? Are they metric? No one including the local marine mechanic at the marina had what would fit (all too small).

 

[CliffA]

might try these......

http://www.essentialhardware.com/pl...m_medium=cpc&gclid=CLnX8_ec8MwCFQetaQod7WkHNQ

 

[DaleM]

Yep - tried that and busted the jaws/flats off trying to get it to move (did soak with PB Blaster prior too).

 

[Crushin It]

Get 'er done!

 

[DaleM]

Get 'er done!

sure tryin'!

 

[DaleM]

Mounted the wrench in a vice. Used the jaws of the vice as a depth/square gauge and filed the flats for the 1/16th or so I needed. Threw the vice and file in the car that I can mount on a picnic table if I need to to take another 1/16th off until I get this thing to fit! The leak will stop.

 

[saopm]

I measured mine over the winter. It was 2.8". Access is key. I had the mufflers out so I removed the board they sit on as well. I did end up using a pipe wrench. It didn't leave any noticeable marks. Have fun...

 

[DaleM]

I have a vice and file at the ready this weekend. The wrench should provide the clearance based on it's shape.