ZZ13
Well-Known Member
Last week I posted that I added packing to my starboard rudder nut. Today, I took a shot at the port rudder nut as it was also leaking. First I relocated the battery charger about 6 inches higher to give me room underneath it to reach for the nut. Then I removed the two port batteries (after first turning off the battery charger and the port battery switch). I was able to fit in that area lying parallel to the stern and push my right shoulder all the way up to the opening under the bulkhead. My arm was then easily able to reach the nut from there. So, I did all the work with my right arm/hand and used my left hand to hold a flashlight and to hand things to my right hand. Took me about two hours end to end. I was able to fit two new rings in there. So both my rudder nuts now have a bunch of old crap packed into the top of the nut and two fresh new rings below that. Hopefully, that will work out for a bunch of years. It was a tight squeeze between the Racor and the generator. I am 5' 10", 165lbs. Here are some pictures:
Port nut before breaking free the locking nut:
Port nut after adding new packing. Lots of threads now for future tightening:
Port batteries removed:
Port nut before breaking free the locking nut:
Port nut after adding new packing. Lots of threads now for future tightening:
Port batteries removed: