Another packing question

[bcrandall]

I had to replace the packing in my 95 super sport due to excessive water coming in the bilge. It appears this hasn't ever bee done since the nut and stainless wire were in perfect condition and there is only 298 hours. Could I just replace the packing and tighten the nut the same way it was from the factory without adjusting for drips? Is the stainless wire necessary to keep the nut from backing off?

Also, is the graphite packing that much better than the waxy stuff? thanks.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Another packing question

You need to make sure you have 4-6 drops per minute. You should be able to watch through the inspection hole. Too few or no drops and it will get way to hot and wreck the existing packing, and then burn your shaft. You already had the too many drips problem. Hand tight is a good place to start. The wire is there to prevent the nut from coming off. Wire it after you get it set correctly. Prior to replacing, did you try just tightening a little?
I think the goretex is a little more lubricating than the old wax rope. Both work fine.

[bcrandall]

RE: Another packing question

No, I didn't try to tighten it. If I adjust the packing nut, then the holes for the wire don't line up. Can you adjust the location of the back hole by loosening the hose clamp?

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Another packing question

Honestly, I have don't remember if the nut on my SAN has a wire. Not all boats have them. Our Mustang doesn't. I would say having your packing nut adjusted correctly is more important than being wired. If you can loosen the clamp and pivot it to align, great. If not, it is not that big of a deal.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Another packing question

did you already repack it ? or not?

[bcrandall]

RE: Another packing question

It's 1.5 hours away at the lake. I repacked it and tightened to the same position and re-installed the wire. I didn't have time to put it back in the water to check the drip.

On my old 85 SN it was much easier to replace, but I could never quite get the drip correctly. Once i would get it right, then check it after some runs, and it was not the same.

[mf01]

RE: Another packing question

I noticed mine dripping or more like pouring this weekend. There are multiple holes for the wire to go through. I tightened mine and put a new wire in it. I haven't had a chance to test it out, but wanted to go this route before buying new packing. Mine has 255 hours on it, but it's a 94.

[DanielC]

RE: Another packing question

There are three or four holes om the collar that the safety wire goes through. To adjust the packing, remove the safety wire. Loosen the jam nut, and then you can turn the packing nut, by hand usually, but sometimes it is a little hard to turn. Adjust to four to six drips per minute, tighten the jam nut.
Go drive the boat a little while, but not all day. Recheck the number of drops.
if it is OK, loosen the two hose clamps to reposition the safety wire hole on the packing nut somewhere on top, by turning the collar, packing nut, and jam nut together.
Find a hole in the collar that you can put the safety wire into, that pulls the packing nut tighter, and put the safety wire back in. You may have to cut a very small notch out of the hose, by the hole in the collar, to make it easier to reinstall the safety wire.
Check the number of drips again when you are finished.

[bcrandall]

RE: Another packing question

Thanks Daniel, this is the info I was looking for. My knuckles took a beating trying to insert the safety wire back in the hole of the collar.

[mf01]

RE: Another packing question

I used a dental tool to fish the wire out the other side of the collar where it runs into the rubber hose.

[mf01]

RE: Another packing question

What temperature should the packing nut be near? I tightened mine to where it won't drip while sitting idle. After a day of running and pulling, it felt the same as the air temperature. The water was colder though.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Another packing question

approximately air temp or water temp is perfect. You still want a small amount dripping at idle.

[mf01]

RE: Another packing question

It felt the same as the air temp, which was about 100. The rubber hose down from the nut was cooler, since the water temp was about 70.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Another packing question

I think you are fine.

[mf01]

RE: Another packing question

I'd adjust it back a little, but there are only three total holes for the safety wire. How long does the original packing usually last? I've got about 260 hours on the boat and I doubt the original owner touched it.