firstbase
Guru
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2016
- Messages
- 1,644
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Black Eyed Susan
- Vessel Make
- Grand Banks 42' Classic
My stuffing boxes have been the major contirbutor to the water in my bilge. Sripping a lot at rest, dripping a lot when running. They are not the traditional type but ones with a bolt on each side of the shaft, example pic below but not from my boat, just an example. I tightened both sides until they stopped dripping when the motors were off. Port side needed a complete turn and a half on each bolt. Starboard somewhat less, 3/4 turn. Went out in the boat and checked them after an hour or so of running. Stuffing box temp was about 90 degrees F but...no drips at all. The box was moist underneath but no drips. However, the shafts were....whining I guess I would call it. Whistling. So I loosened the bolt up on each side a 1/4 turn and the sound went away. Still no drips and temp at a comfortable 90 or so. Not hot to the touch at all. In fact barely warm..maybe?
So, question is what is more important? Drips or temps? I was told that this type of packing box shouldn't be dripping at all when the motors are off and maybe a drip a minute or so when running. Also, the sound, too tight on the stuffing box makes the shafts whine?
Obvious newbie questions and I appreciate any comments.
So, question is what is more important? Drips or temps? I was told that this type of packing box shouldn't be dripping at all when the motors are off and maybe a drip a minute or so when running. Also, the sound, too tight on the stuffing box makes the shafts whine?
Obvious newbie questions and I appreciate any comments.