Stuffing Box (stern tube) packing
Date: March 4, 2002
From: Lee Parsons lee.parsons@gm.com
Paul,
My local yard had suggested I replace the packing in my stuffing box with a graphite impregnated carbon fibre packing. The local supplier showed up to the yard with 1/4 " packing being his smallest size. I needed 3/16". He explained he won't carry it as he has such little call for it! The yard suggested this packing as an alternative to the dripless shaft seal system. Do you know a supplier for this product? I think I would need about 1 foot of 3/16 '" thick. Thank you.
Date: March 6, 2002
From: Fred H Lowe loweplaces2@juno.com
There has been some question about using graphite packing on some shafts due to the difference in the metals.I have tried some of the newer Teflon packing and have had great success.I haven't had to change out packing for several years.But make sure it is the soft Teflon packing.Also there is a new product called Gor-tex packing.They are listed in some of the better boat magazine
Date: March 7, 2002
From: Fred Altmann altmann@012.net.il
Hello Lee,
This 3/16" is ofcourse an Endeavour problem. I had the same question. I found mine at Defender's in Waterford, CT.
The product is on page 183 of their 2002 Catalog.
Date: March 7, 2002
From: Stephanie Tavag Livejon07@aol.com
PAUL,
PLS. LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE DRIPLESS STUFFING BOX, I ALSO NEED TO REPLACE MINE. THANKS.
Date: March 7, 2002
From: Lee Parsons lee.parsons@gm.com
Paul , I originally inquired about installing a PSS dripless shaft seal system. My yard explained that they had some problems with boats grounding in sand/silt common to the area (Brunswick Ga.) . Apparently the small hose that allows water to enter the seal plugged, resulting the seal drying out and failing. They said they had had great success with a graphite impregnated carbon fiber packing. They explained after installation you tighten the stuffing box until no dripping is apparent. Run the prop for a few hours , it will start leaking a lot , tighten down the nut until leaking stops completely. Repeat this process one more time . Upon tightening the second ( possibly a third ) time you're good for up to five years , a dripless self lubricating seal. I saw the 1/4 and some larger sizes over 1" obviously for large commercial vessels, It is black waxy woven fiber and it seemed to me it should work !
P.S. the local supplier who came to the yard explained it costs him $700 a roll to buy, and since he's only had one other request for 3/16 " he can't afford to stock it . He said he would contact some one in Alabama to see if they had a piece. I couldn't get much information on the where he gets it originally.
Date: March 7, 2002
From: Carl Hibbard Chgypsy@aol.com
Hello Lee,
Somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind I'm remembering not to use the teflon impregnated packing. Errrr....something may have been in a recent issue of a boat magazine......sorry CRS.
However both Boat US and West Marine do carry 3/16". I would imagine that any marine retailer that sells boats with inboard engines would also carry. BTW you actually cut it into three seperate circles with angled end cuts and stagger the gaps when installing.
Date: March 7, 2002
From: Dick Caswell dcaswell22@hotmail.com
I have a dripless system and would not trade it for any type of packing . Graphite is used in packing where high temperature is an issue. Any size packing that will fit between the shaft and the i.d. of the stuffing box will work. Once the packing is energized by tightening the screw in cap the difference between 1/4" and 3/16" is not a facture. You should cut both ends with a sharp knife on an angle between 30 and 45 degrees .If you have a valve repair shop in your area they can give you information on various sources for packing materials. Teflon is impervious to salt water and can handle heat up to 450f. There are several good options on the market, check them out .
Date: March 11, 2002
From: Tom Silva shamrock@fwi.com
Dear Lee,
I have an 1985 CC with a stuffing box and I got my flax packing from a mail order marine outfitter named Defender -they have it in 1/8"-3/16"-1/4". tel.1-800-628-8225 the 3/16" size is in their catalog and priced at $6.49 for 2 ft.length. Be sure to remove (dig out) the old before putting in the new.
Date: March 11, 2002
From: Ken Green GREENLEG2@aol.com
Try E.L. Gore Assoc. tel.# 1 800 455 2854
Stuffing Box packing alternatives topic
