What is really USEFUL there is a kid of about 15 or 16, skinny, and you prep
him by telling him that you need those great muscles he has been developing
recently. My son can actually get his whole shoulders into the cave and,
with the right tools and preparation, can do practically any job that might
be needed. It¹s a whole nother story for me, where I can only get one arm
in, and usually can¹t look at the thing at the same time, so must work by
feel.
--Dave S. (Demitri)
On 11/2/08 6:02 PM, "Jim Bernstorf" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I guess I¹m feeling better about it all. The profound and exciting comment
> really makes me shiver. I guess the next thing is to see how hard it is to
> actually get two wrenches and two arms into that area without having to
> contort too much.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 4:46 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: stuffing box
>
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> I also found that my prop shaft is 1" diameter, the same size as part of my
> boat hook. Using the boat hook makes it easier to cut the packing. Also the
> cut should be at an angle not straight across.
>
>
>
> John
>
>
>
> In a message dated 11/2/2008 5:23:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>> There's something profound and exciting about deliberately opening a hole in
>> your hull while it's in the water. But it's nothing to panic over; I've done
>> this a couple of times and let in about a gallon or two each time.
>>
>> I use the Gore packing, it works very nice and I can get the gland adjusted
>> to about 1 drop/minute while the motor is running, and zero when it's not,
>> and the box and shaft stay nice and cool. It will take some running time to
>> get the adjustment right.
>>
>> Chris
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> Sent: Nov 2, 2008 4:07 PM
>>> To: [email protected]
>>> Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: stuffing box
>>>
>>>
>>> Jim
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> You need 3/16" packing to replace the old. Sounds like Ralph knows what he
>>> is talking about. Experience!!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> If possible I suggest that you replace the packing when the boat is out of
>>> the water. I found the most difficult part of the operation was to loosen
>>> the lock nut. If your galley is mid ship, I suggest you access the stuffing
>>> box from the port side quarter berth through the access panel in the floor
>>> of the berth. That way you can get your hands on two wrenches. It also
>>> helps if you have another person working with you from the other side of the
>>> engine.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> John Jennings
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> In a message dated 11/2/2008 3:02:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>
>>>> From: "Jim Bernstorf" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>>>
>>>> To: <[email protected]>
>>>>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 8:15 AM
>>>>
>>>> Subject: RE: catalina27-talk: stuffing box
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> > While we're talking about engines, has anyone done the stuffing box
>>>>> > repacking themselves?
>>>>> >
>>>>>> >> Jim Bernstorf
>>>>> > 1978 TR
>>>>> > Nashville,TN
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Jim,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> IMHO,, It's an easy job.. IF .. you prepare before hand.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> First, and MOST important!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Get a SMALL "T" handled extraction tool. The tool MUST have the Wire Screw
>>>> type end.
>>>>
>>>> I know other folks say a "bent fish hook" ..or other home made tools
>>>> work..But, save yourself some grief and get
>>>>
>>>> a professional extraction tool..
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> AND I mean SMALL screw extractor!
>>>>
>>>> The one I use has a Wire Screw of...... 3/16 ths (~ 5 mm)
>>>>
>>>> You may have to go to a plumbing story to find one. Not many Marine Supply
>>>> shops carry the small ones.
>>>>
>>>> The Screw end... HAS to be slightly smaller than the thickness of the
>>>> Packing Flax you're using !
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Second:
>>>>
>>>> Measure and CUT the packing material you're going to use. Put it somewhere
>>>> close where you can reach.
>>>>
>>>> Use the prop shaft to measure each of at least,... FOUR rings of packing.
>>>> You only Need 3, The 4th is a standby. Without it, dropping one means you
>>>> close the Gland ..And start all over!!
>>>>
>>>> Make angled overlapping cuts in each flax ring.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Finally,
>>>>
>>>> Have a TOWEL or cloth ready
>>>>
>>>> AND.....wrap around the Shaft Log and keeper nut...As soon as you pull the
>>>> Packing Glad away from the Shaft Log.
>>>>
>>>> Water will pour out.
>>>>
>>>> The towel will act as a cover over that part. It won't stop the flow, but
>>>> reduces the splatter.
>>>>
>>>> Water SQUIRTS in all directions . You don't want it to hit you in the face
>>>> while you're trying to work!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Each time I've done it, I get a couple GALLONS of water winding up in the
>>>> bilge.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> HINT: Experiment a couple times,, By loosing the nut until water starts
>>>> flowing..Then close the gland and nut again
>>>>
>>>> Do that a few times to get used to the process.
>>>>
>>>> That'll do two things for you. It'll help reduce some of the apprehension.
>>>> Having never done it, it'll seem scary the first time.
>>>>
>>>> Experimenting will also give you an idea of the flow of water, and how it
>>>> spreads out..
>>>>
>>>> After a couple "tests" like that .. You'll feel pretty confident.. Trying
>>>> to do the whole thing before you have a little experience isn't fun..
>>>>
>>>> Don't Ask .. :-)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> HINT: If you have trouble... HAND tighten the nut back into the Gland to
>>>> slow down the water.. Don't Panic, take your time.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> You can do it..
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> All the Best,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Ralph Ahseln
>>>>
>>>> "Oblio"
>>>>
>>>> Gresham OR
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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