Stuffing box

[Yorkshirelad]

Hi guys,
The drive shafts stuffing boxes were repacked with 5/16” Teflon packing 2 years ago, when should I look at replacing the packing? I adjust/tighten the nut every-time I return from a cruise. But it’s getting harder to adjust, could I install a couple more packing rings while the boat is in the water, and do a complete job in the fall when out of the water?
Cheers Rob

 

[dwna1a]

Rob you can do that or just clean the old stuffing out and replace. Normally I get two wraps in, then wait a week or two and add a third. The packing nut will compress the first two enough to add a third.

Might be that they got two in and never added the third.

 

[Golfman25]

Why do you adjust after every outing? Do they keep leaking? You should be able to get more than two years from a pack job. However, I would look into the gore dripless packing. All I need to do is hand tighten. Works great.
https://www.emarineinc.com/categories/GFO-Marine-Shaft-Packing/

 

[Yorkshirelad]

Thanks guys heading to the boat tomorrow, I will order some GFO packing.
Cheers