The Packing Gland on Caprice was drippeing a drop every second so I adjusted the PG. The instruction book that came with Caprice, a 1990 C36, with a M35 engine, says to give it a two or three turns. I gave it only 1/2 turn and it stopped the dripping completely without the engine running.
I ran the engine in forward at 1500 rpm at the dock until the engine was warmed up then ran it in reverse for two more minutes then back in neutral. I got one drop in three minutes when running and no dripping with the engine shut off. I felt the shaft and it was cool as well as the metal part around the packing gland.
Although the instructions say it should drip two drops a minute with the engine not running I think as long as the shaft and metal around the packing gland are cool I am O.K. If anybody knows different let me know.
__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050
My C36 - 1999 does not drip when at dock with engine off. When at 2000 RPM it drips probably 10 drops per minuet. It drips more when in reverse. As long as your propeller shaft is not warm I would think that it is OK. I do not think it needs 3 turns. You did OK with 1/2 of a turn.
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.
I find they are pretty sensitive once you get to the point that the packing is starting to compress, 1/2 turn at one time may be too much. When I am setting up after breaking in new packing I'll go one flat of the nut at a time to get what I want. My results are exactly what Haro reports, we're using Gore GFO and so far very pleased with it. A cheap infrared heat gun is great to have on board, can get them on eBay for less than 10 bucks.
I second the notion of using the infrared thermometer/gun.
Be careful though, read at the same point every time.
Some of the guns are sensitive to angle and distance: Read the owners manual for the instrument.
You also may want to take several readings from different locations on the gland/componant.
Also, Mainesail has a tutorial on this on his blog. [URL="http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/engine_temp"]http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/engine_temp[/URL]
He also recommends marking "dots" at the read locations as well as writing on the componant the appropriate range for temperatures (e.g. take a reading in winter and in summer).
It's hard to remember that kinda of stuff, especially in a critical incident!
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
The Gore packing is great. I expect about 2-3 drips per minute when running and use the back of my hand as a test. If it is too warm to place the back of my hand on the nut when running, the gland nut is too tight.
John Meyer
Cruising the Sea of Cortez
John Meyer
Hilbre
C36 MKll, Hull 2135
Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA