Prop shaft drip gland

[todda]

I have a 1999 SNOB, and have never had to adjust my prop shaft seal, but now it is starting to leak more consistently than the "1 drip/30 sec" idea. Am i right in thinking that the brass lock nut should move back toward the stern and then snug the packing nut in the same direction to tighten it up? Thanks!

Todd

[Nautiquehunter]

Thats how you do it.

[DanielC]

That is right, you remove the safety wire, loosen the lock nut, and tighten the packing nut.
I like a drip about every 10 to 20 seconds. Too little water, and the packing gets too hot, burns, and then leaks a lot. Then you have to replace it.
Put safety wire back in. You can loosen the two hose clamps, and turn the whole packing assembly, to make it more convenient to get the wire back in.

[todda]

Thanks guys!

[charlesml3]

This notion of "1 drip every 30 seconds" is kinda silly. If it dripped once every 2 seconds it would never come close to overwhelming even the smallest bilge pump. Honestly, if it isn't producing a steady stream of water I just leave them alone. It's not worth the effort to change it and risk of getting it too tight.

[chief351]

Thanks guys, I was getting worried as well. Probably dripping every 5-7 seconds...I won't worry anymore!