I did this today (I won't say how much I enjoyed working on my stomach in a space too small for both hands/arms, etc) and would like some input from those of you who have also repacked. I used the Teflon type and when complete and after 10 minutes of so of driving found that I was getting about 1 drop each 10 seconds. Does that sound about right?
hi
re packed mine last year have yet to have a drip,now getting concerned is it supposed to drip ?
I'm uncertain, although the seller of my boat has kept it around 1 per second not using Teflon. Then I read someplace that with the Teflon type it only needs to drip rarely or not at all. Seems to me that infrequent drips is a good sign for avoiding packing too tightly. Hopefully one of the other guys will have better experience than yours or mine.
It does need to drip. The small amount of leakage insures that the packing is getting lubed and cooled by water. We have a dripless shaft seal now, and I've forgotten how much leakage is desirable. Seems like 1-2 drops a minute running? After replacement, it will need frequent adjustment until it settles in. If it does not drip, it is too tight and can burn/groove the shaft.
Thanks, Ray.
I repacked with Teflon about three years ago. It never dripped and I was concerned as well. I have tested the heat on the packing gland after running hard for nine hours and it is not really warm to the touch. I have looked at the shaft and there appears to be no scoring. After taking with a couple of others who use teflon as well they see the same. At this point I am not concerned with having no dripping. It seems to be a common thing with teflon and doesn't appear to be causing a problem. So there you go for what it's worth.
Ron
S/V Matchmaker
Well, that's more useful input. I went to the boat earlier today just to make sure everything was ok, and found no drip at all since yesterday's use.
Don;t forget the rudder shaft. I was wondering how rain was getting into my aft lazarette. Then I noticed a little seepage coming in around the gland there.
Any one done this one yet? Should I expect Old Faithful or a little tricke as I mess with it?