Re Packing Rudder Port

Hey guys. Was taking on water last weekend. Rudder may need tightening or re-packing. Going to pull the gas tank this weekend and check it out. Rudder does have a small amount of play when shaking it by hand. Have used the boat for five summers so far (approx 50 hours per season). So, think it is probably time. Could not find any other obvious signs of leaks (hoses, shaft log etc).
Could not find any good posts using the search feature on how to re-pack the rudder. Got some 3/16" packing on hand. Does it take the three piece wrap like you would do the drive shaft?
If anyone can direct me to a good previous post that would be great. Pics would help.
Got a '93 Sport BTW.
Thanks

It's come up before, but I haven't seen any thorough details yet either. Watching this thread. The owners manual I have describes the drive shaft packing in detail, but then really just says the rudder is basically the same thing. Not super helpful.

Pete and Greg, was planning on tightening it. But, also thought that since I was in there to go ahead and re-pack it. Boat is almost 20 years old and I am pretty sure the original PO never did it. Although, the boat has never sat overnight in the water very much (a few nights since I have owned it...probably never with the PO).

On my 84 SN tightening didn't work. I repacked with 3 layers of the goretex rope and it has made all the difference. Before, I could visibly see water sloshing in when not under power, and spraying in when moving. After, nice and dry.

I'm not Pete...

Get a big pair of channel locks and put a rag in the jaw. Loosen the locknut first, and yes, looking down it goes clockwise.

You can get a regular wrench or a big adjustable. Both would maybe be more proper, but your card will wince.

Jim, we're happy to have you drop by for breakfast and some wrench turning if you come up this way. Of course it won't leak much over the winter.

Busy busy; us too. I still say a $20 pair of square jaw channel locks is the ticket. The pipe wrenches may scratch your nutz!    

BuffaloBFN wrote: Get a big pair of channel locks and put a rag in the jaw.

Ha! Now you're on HW's watch list.   

BuffaloBFN wrote: It's been a long time since I scratched my brass...

I'm going to need to consult Amy about this one!!

Maybe this will help, it looks like it has a square in the end, to add additional leverage with a ratchet or breaker bar:
http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=WRENCH

Well my nuts are loose Only slightly scratched.
Thinking that I should re-pack with fresh packing while I am in there.   Does the rudder take three seperate, staggered sections of packing like the drive shaft does? Know that I should support the rudder from underneath when disconnecting the tiller arm. Any other tricks or suggestions?

Greg, sprayed some liquid wrench on locking nut Monday. Undid the tiller arm from the steering cable inorder to get a better angle. Used a pipe wrench, pulled and beat the end of the wrench with a hammer. It finally busted loose.

Got it undone. Four rings of 3/16" packing. Thin brass washer on top of packing nut followed by a stainless washer and then the tiller arm. Getting all the old gunk cleaned off and ready to put it back together.

Brian, yes, have a camera. Will take some pics. Probably tomorrow before I post them. About ready to call it a night. Got a big day riding with a corp human resources person tomorrow.

Dave, the ride with our HR person went well. Not sure about the "star" part. Mohawk is looking at ways to increase our productive selling time and make our life as a sales rep more efficient.
You are welcome to stop by any time. Got the rudder port re-packed and back together. Waiting on a new fuel guage sending unit for the gas tank before I put everything back together. Was in hopes of that part arriving today...not. Should be here tomorrow.