I am trying to determine a baseline on my stuffing box.
The PO had it repacked in June with essentially zero time on it prior to the survey and sea trial last month. At that time, it was observed that there were no drips and it measured 140 F during operation at ~ 2400 RPM. Now it is adjusted to 3-4 drips per minute (static) and an operating temperature of 95 F which I think is too loose. Not sure what the drips are when operating. Thinking on tightening it to 1 drip every minute (static) and measure the operating temp again, shooting for within 20 F of the water temp.
After reading about c-clamps failing and ensuring there is a Buck Algonquin 6-ply hose in there, my c-clamps look old (and of the cheaper style) and the hose nondescript.
The boat is going on the hard in Nov so I will address the hose and clamps at that time. Would this be a good time to move to a PSS shaft seal? What is the trend these days?
Russell Green
S/V "GoodwiII" #759
1987 C36 MKI TR/WK M25XP
Moored: Deale, MD
http://gfopacking.com/
You might want to check into this as well I installed about 9 years ago and just tighten up occaisionally
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
I would also vote for the Gore product or equivalent. I used a West Marine Teflon packing at the beginning of the season. Adjusted it once with engine running to about a drop a minute. With continued running, it stopped dripping altogether. At 1st I was concerned, but then realized the stuffing box was cool to the touch, regardless of shaft rotation speed. Much simpler than PSS
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Good tips, guys. Thanks. I'll keep with the stuffing box and order the long shaft hose with clamps kit now: http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/2585_392/shaft-log-hose-kit-w-clamps.cfm
Is there another source for this kit besides Catalina Direct? It is hard to stomach paying $8.95 in "shipping" costs on such a small and light part. It would be better if they changed their policy to say "shipping and handling."
Russell Green
S/V "GoodwiII" #759
1987 C36 MKI TR/WK M25XP
Moored: Deale, MD
Pretty sure that you are going to have to take the coupling off the shaft to change the tube. If you follow Mainsails advice you will certainly need a new coupling and may need to remove the shaft to have the mating surface of the shaft matched to the new coupling. There is a very good description of the process on Mainsails website. You should have no problem replacing the clamps without all that work and expense.
Neil Roach
"Crewless"
1992 36, Mark I
Hull # 1174
Seattle