Another shaft seal packing question

[pez]

What size packing do I need?!?! I have a '95 196 with the GT40. Can I use the stuff (flax packing) they sell at West Marine or Boaters World? Is it all the same stuff?

[Andrew]

RE: Another shaft seal packing question

yes u can use it, no its not all the same. there are a couple different materials on the market now, but ur boat originally had the same flax stuff that u find at boaters world.... sorry, can't help ya on the size.

have u looked in the manual that is on this site? might be there.....

[darrel409]

RE: Another shaft seal packing question

pretty sure the shaft is 3/16. I like the gortex type.

[Rick]

RE: Another shaft seal packing question

I think it 3/16th is right 1/4 for the rudder. I use the teflon coated flax from West an it works great.

[pez]

Thanks everyone. I couldn't find a definitive answer in the manuals on this site - thanks for the tip anyway Andrew, I forgot about those. I've also looked on the correctcraftfan forums. Lots of "I think" answers for both the 3/16" and the 1/4" packing. I looked on the skidim site as well. They have the sizing description for the goretex stuff - 1/4" for 1" shafts with an exception for correct crafts which use 3/16". This is confusing since the exact same disclaimer is written under the 3/16" packing description. No sizing instructions in the descriptions for teflon impregnated flax. To convolute it more, there is another instruction on the skidim site that states,

"The proper packing size is determined by measuring the I.D, of the stuffing box (hollow nut) and the O.D. of the shaft. "

This is exactly what I did in the end. The shaft is exactly 1.000" and the gland nut is 1 1/2" inside diameter. I ain't no rocket scientist, but that leaves about a 1/2" of diametrical clearance. Went with 1/4" flax - it went in with a little resistance and I could feel it compressing as I hand tightened the gland nut. I'm assuming that the risk from installing the incorrect size (too big) is damage to the shaft if there is too much friction and not enough leak-by for cooling. I also e-mailed skidim and am awaiting an answer. I'll let you guys know if I guessed right.

I've done hundreds of similar re-packs on valves and through hull fittings on all manner of naval ships, but they always have really good drawings. Wish the Correct Craft manual was a little more detailed.

[Rick]

You are right. I used 1/4 last time and have seen no wear. I am usnig the teflon coated. As long as you don't overitghten I think either will work. However 3/16 is what is used at my dealer as per CC.

[TRBenj]

I dont think Correct Craft was as consistent in their packing size as SkiDIM indicates. My '90 took 3/16", but when we tried to use the same on my dad's '03, water poured in. We used 1/4" in his and we got it adjusted properly.

You'll know if youve got the right size by the temperature of your packing nut. I would expect it to heat up pretty good if the packing is too large. You want it to stay cool to slightly warm (but not hot) while running.

[pez]

Thanks Rick & TRBenj. Heres the scoop I got from two sources. I emailed skidim and got this prompt reply:

Hello,

Correct Craft tells us that it should be 3/16ths.

Thanks,

Richard Powlas
www.skidim.com

I still wasn't buying this answer based on the dimensions I took of the shaft and the gland nut inside diameter. I know that packing compresses as the nut is tightened, but I wouldn't expect 3/16"packing to take up an 1/8" gap if I'd used that size.

This morning I called Pacific Nautiques and talked to Rob. He said that I needed to use 1/4" packing. In fairness to the guys at skidim, all I provided them with was the boat model and year. Rob at Pacific Nautiques had the dimensional details as well as the model and year.

Trying it out this weekend. Thanks for everyone's help!