Jim, Last year while the boat was in her cradle John Jennings came over and changed the packing in the stuffing box. Here are things I learned in the process to make it easier: First, buy some P.B. Blaster and spray the packing gland nut. This stuff worked better than other penetrants. Two, if possible take the stress out buy replacing the flax while out of the water. Three, my boat hook diameter is the same as the shaft so it was easy to cut the gortex. I allowed it to overlap slightly so that I got a nice clean diagonal cut that matched up well. Four, and this is the big thing I learned...I got someone else to "help" me and then let him replace it.
What we found in the stuffing box on my 1983 C-27 was the original flax. It looks like a piece of tennis shoe string that is 6.5" long. It wrapped around the shaft just a little more than one time in a corkscrew fashion. How it kept the water out for almost 25 years...I have no idea. There is a debate over whether to let the stuffing box drip while under power or not. Mine drips a bit while underway but not when the boat is in her slip. I was told it may drip because the shaft has been scored because a P.O. just kept tightening the packing nut and not replacing the packing. You do not want to over tighten or you can score the shaft. After motoring I quickly go below and place my hand on the stuffing box and drive shaft to check it temperature. It is hot but not to hot to keep my hand on it for about 20 seconds. I assume that is good. I don't know how helpful this is but its worth the money you paid for it. Remember step four and you will have not problem. Dave Tierney ************** Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=http://travel.aol.com/discount-travel?ncid=emlcntustrav00000001)
