New packing in gland

[Bay Sailor]

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?

[graemek]

hi
re packed mine last year have yet to have a drip,now getting concerned is it supposed to drip ?

[Bay Sailor]

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.

[RayNWanda]

 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.

[Bay Sailor]

Thanks, Ray.

[ishmael]

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

[Bay Sailor]

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.

[BlameItOnBuffett]

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?