Driveshaft packing won't drip.

Hi,

3 weeks ago I replaced the driveshaft packing on my '92 Excel. I used the 3/16" wax rope packing as this was what a local dealer had on hand. I pulled out 3 rings so I put 3 rings back in with the splices offset 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. I took the boat out that same day, drove it for 1-1/2 hrs, made a couple of adjustments, and had roughly 8 drips per minute. Now, 3 weeks later, I take the boat out and with the boat sitting still I was seeing 8 drips/minute but nothing while moving. After an hour of cruising, I backed the nut all the way off, screwed it back on 1-1/2 threads (no resistance at this point), and I still cannot get it to drip while driving. The packing nut gets warm, but not hot. I did not have an infrared temp gun with so I could not tell you what the temp differential was.      

What did or am I doing wrong?

I do have GFO packing on hand now if I need to pull the wax rope out and re-do it. I just don't want overheat and damage the shaft.     

TRBenj wrote: Airfooter wrote: What did or am I doing wrong? Ha, I think you did just fine- born lucky maybe? So long as the packing gland stays cool to warm, youre fine. If it wasnt getting the proper lubrication, it would be HOT. Less than the minimum prescribed drip rate would be an added bonus.

This is good news! I'll leave it alone and monitor its temp. Thanks for your input.

Sometimes your just get lucky.
Mine hasn't dripped in 8 years, no heat, dry bilge.

Check it like they explained, and run it!

Did it get hot?