Stuffing boxes are supposed to drip a little, that's how the shaft gets cooled.Am I the only one who is concerned about the "not a drip" statements above? Also, I have changed the packing in the water, not as scary as it might seam at first. Have a good pump near by, though, just in case. Ron Callahan SCOUT 1980 Convertible
Ron, I think its because of the gore-tex in the Marine GFO product that its ok not to drip. I think the drips were to keep the old flax packing lubricated so that it would not dry out/burn up. With the new gore-tex and teflon impregnated packing it is not an issue as there'e nothing to burn/score the shaft. I may be incorrect, but that is my understanding. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA
Regards, Doug L.
1986 33 Bertram FBC Cummins 6BTA's Queen Elizabeth
Marblehead, MA
Would like to hear from anybody who has CAT 3208's & who has replaced packing. Want to hear if you had to remove any engine parts; (eg. exhaust elbows, to be able to work on packing glands)
When I repowered I replaced shafts and put in dripless shaft seals. When I removed my old stuffing boxes there was significant deteioration on the shaft. I had inadvertantly tightened too much and the drip stopped. I never thought much about it but it really did a number on the shaft.
quote:Originally posted by robert watters Would like to hear from anybody who has CAT 3208's & who has replaced packing. Want to hear if you had to remove any engine parts; (eg. exhaust elbows, to be able to work on packing glands) Have no trouble at all getting to my stuffing boxes, don't know why you're having trouble Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com
Seams like the GFO packing is the way to go....I called my boatyard this am and he said they are using "Graphite" material now and he says its better....so what do you all think???sould I order the Gfo stuff and take it to him or let him use the Graphite??? thanks
Bill, I believe the "graghite material" he's talking about may be the GFO, since it looks like it is mostly graphite. It sounds like that's what he's talking about.