1990 350 Express Cruiser Stuffing Boxes

[Craig Lescombe]

Looking for the following info if anyone can provide? Prelininary questions:
1/ How do I determine what the diameter is of the packing I will require? I guess I will need to know my straight shafts diameter - correct? And if so, can this be determined based on my year and model or perhaps on the transmissions specifics?
2/ Once determined, what is the best material for the packing material and can anyone recommend a specific manufacturer / product?
Thanks to all!

 

[Golfman25]

Best way is to measure between the shaft and the packing log. And/or measure the thickness of what you take out.

As for packing, I used the Gore GFO packing. It's "dripless" meaning you can tighten so it doesn't drip in you bilge. When you install, tighten by hand. It's not as compactible as the standard stuff, so you can overtighten if you wrench it.
https://www.emarineinc.com/categories/GFO-Marine-Shaft-Packing

 

[Craig Lescombe]

Thank you for the above. I have always thought that a drip was required for lubrication but in reading about this product I am led to believe the stuffing is such that is is made of a material which in itself is infused to be already somewhat "lubricated" so water passing through is unnecessary - is this a correct assumption on my part?

 

[Golfman25]

Thank you for the above. I have always thought that a drip was required for lubrication but in reading about this product I am led to believe the stuffing is such that is is made of a material which in itself is infused to be already somewhat "lubricated" so water passing through is unnecessary - is this a correct assumption on my part?

With normal packing the drip is required. With the gore it is not. But don't overtighten.