Stuffing box/packing question

Soulshine

Soulshine

Well-Known Member
Sep 25, 2016
1,362
Seneca Lake, NY
Boat Info
'83 SRV 360 Express
Engines
Twin Merc. 454
Hey folks,

I'm going to change my shaft packings this year after 6 years of ownership. I figure a bit of PM is better than waiting for a leak.

My manual states 1/4" packing and I just took delivery of some GFO material, but its square in cross section...something I've never seen.

Will the recesses in the stuffing box halves accept and compress this properly or should it be round in section?

What do you think or have you experienced?
 
I hate stuffing boxes and have changed out the packing many times in many boats. I have always found it to be a project getting the old out. The new goes right in for the most part. I don't think the square is going to matter, and in fact may be better. The Garlock packing is meant to be square and is one of the better packing materials.

But I would change out to dripless as soon as you can. Much better and easier to maintain. I am considering changing out my rudder logs to seals. No matter what I do I always have a drip and eventually a long water mark in the bilge.
 
Thanks for the quick tip. I have no plans to change to dripless. I've seen failures that make me nervous and i don't see a cost/benefit equation there that makes sense to me.

I guess I'd consider this a maintenance hassle if it were needed annually but as I said, I have yet to change them and a drip a munite or so is something I've had no trouble living with. Aren't the GFO packings supposed to be practically drip free according to the marketing?

Also, since you mentioned the rudder packings...

Mine are in an isolated bilge well with its own pump and it's as dry as dust back there. I've never seen it even damp and those seals are at least 6 years old and probably more.
 
A couple of things. If you're having trouble getting the old out, a little WD40 help loosen it up.

The GFO does not compact as much as the traditional packing. You'll probably get less going back in that you took out. Don't overtighten. I was basically able to hand tighten to get it sealed.
 
Golfman25 said:
A couple of things. If you're having trouble getting the old out, a little WD40 help loosen it up.

The GFO does not compact as much as the traditional packing. You'll probably get less going back in that you took out. Don't overtighten. I was basically able to hand tighten to get it sealed.
Click to expand...

Good pointers, thanks...especially the WD 40.
 
As others have said, square is not an issue. GFO is a good product.
 
I find and awl is the best starting tool followed by an angled pick to pull it out.
 
Soulshine said:
Hey folks,

I'm going to change my shaft packings this year after 6 years of ownership. I figure a bit of PM is better than waiting for a leak.

My manual states 1/4" packing and I just took delivery of some GFO material, but its square in cross section...something I've never seen.

Will the recesses in the stuffing box halves accept and compress this properly or should it be round in section?

What do you think or have you experienced?
Click to expand...
The square packing will seal quicker and more completely than round, the as long as it’s the correct size. Use a lot of Vaseline (or other water-resistant lube) in the box before you put the packing in, it’ll come out easier when you’re ready to remove it.
 
Another great idea, thanks!

First inboard boat here and consequently my first go round with shaft packings.

I've never even had to tighten them.
 
One tip. Leave the stuffing box very loose when you install the GFO. It will drip quite a bit, but this is fine. Run the boat, then tighten down until it just stops dripping at the dock. You may have to tweak it a little one more time to stop the drips, but if you don't over-tighten at first, the packing will last and your bilge will be very dry.
 
I thought I'd add this...

I was planning to use one of my Strut Pro collets to help push the packing into the recess, but stumbled upon the PVC fitting below while in the hardware store. It's ID is 1/32" over 1 1/4" so it should snap right on the shaft and slide easily. The T part is even handy to apply pressure as needed.

20230417_130938.jpg


20230417_130946.jpg
 
Soulshine said:
I thought I'd add this...

I was planning to use one of my Strut Pro collets to help push the packing into the recess, but stumbled upon the PVC fitting below while in the hardware store. It's ID is 1/32" over 1 1/4" so it should snap right on the shaft and slide easily. The T part is even handy to apply pressure as needed.

View attachment 142969

View attachment 142970
Click to expand...
That’s truly thinking outta the box, grrreat idea!!
 
Did you tackle this project yet. Thinking of doing mine as well before splash day. Also what size packing for rudders?
 
This week probably.

Not sure about rudder packing size. I'll look at my manual ASAP. I'm pretty sure that yours are the same but not certain.

Did you get any manuals with yours?
 
Soulshine said:
This week probably.

Not sure about rudder packing size. I'll look at my manual ASAP. I'm pretty sure that yours are the same but not certain.

Did you get any manuals with yours?
Click to expand...


They are in the boat.The online manual I have does not say . Only that they should be greased every year.
 
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