Stuffing box question/can of worms
I suppose the dripless could have more of a catastrophic, if it was not maintained?* The two biggest causes would be the SS Rotor -#6 slipping on the shaft causing to be no pressure against the graphite flange, the O ring inside the SS rotor failed, or the bellow developing a hole/leaking?* The most common is probable the SS slipping on the shaft because the set screws backed off, and/or the O ring failing.**A quick solution is to calk the SS flange to the*shaft to help prevent it from slipping and if the O rings failed it would also prevent/slow a leak.*
*
*
As for the bellows developing a hole the most like cause would be rotting*which is the same concern**with hoses on the boat, which should be checked regularly and/or changed at least every 10 years. Also the space between shaft and the shaft log is usually not that great and/or a front cutlass bearing. **If the bellows did start to leak it would not a sudden burst but a slower leak giving some warning.* If the bellows did leak, I would warp plastic wrap and duct tape around until the boat could be pulled.*
*
*
I have a blue paper towls under the dripless so if there is a leak it will be noticeable, and double bilge pumps with alarms. *If maintained properly there is little chance of a catastrophic failure?* **********
-- Edited by Phil Fill on Thursday 15th of October 2009 10:21:38 AM
-- Edited by Phil Fill on Thursday 15th of October 2009 10:24:01 AM
|