Checking packing?

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   So, I have been reading some of the posts about shaft packing any I have a few questions.

How often does one need to replace the packing?

How often should I check the packing?

It sounds like it should drip a little but not a lot?  Just enough for temp to stay cool to touch, but not gushing?  

No idea when my packing has been replaced last, if ever.  I felt it once last season and it was cool to touch, so no worries?

Lastly, it seems that I should be able to easily turn the prop/shaft by hand.  How easy?  Pinky finger?  blow on it? 

I had the alignment checked last fall and I will check it when it gets on the water this season (thanks to erics pictorial).  Everything was straight last fall, but the shaft does not turn like butter.  It currently takes a little force, not much, just a little.  Is this normal, or a sign that I should repack?

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MADTOWN78 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: July-12-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 67	Post Options Post Reply Quote MADTOWN78 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Checking packing? Posted: May-15-2008 at 3:29pm
	So, I have been reading some of the posts about shaft packing any I have a few questions. How often does one need to replace the packing? How often should I check the packing? It sounds like it should drip a little but not a lot? Just enough for temp to stay cool to touch, but not gushing? No idea when my packing has been replaced last, if ever. I felt it once last season and it was cool to touch, so no worries? Lastly, it seems that I should be able to easily turn the prop/shaft by hand. How easy? Pinky finger? blow on it? I had the alignment checked last fall and I will check it when it gets on the water this season (thanks to erics pictorial). Everything was straight last fall, but the shaft does not turn like butter. It currently takes a little force, not much, just a little. Is this normal, or a sign that I should repack?
	livin', lovin', lovin' livin'

ripster92 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: April-13-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 254	Post Options Post Reply Quote ripster92 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-15-2008 at 4:28pm
	Hey Madtown. As far as the rudder packing I don't know that it's ever been replaced. There isn't the friction issue like on the shaft. The log packing will last quite some time with a minor tightening every now and then. When you notice that you are getting accessive water in the bilge, and are out of adjustment room, it's time to replace. Chances are that you will be removing the shaft for some reason or another before the packing actually wears. I'd just replace it then as a preventative measure. Assuming that your alignment is good, you should probably be able to turn your prob with minimal effort from your index. If not, try wetting your cutlass bearing, then try. I don't know the exact rule for tightness but a couple drips per minute is probably good.
	1992 SN Black w/ Yellow

8122pbrainard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045	Post Options Post Reply Quote 8122pbrainard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-15-2008 at 6:48pm
	Hilton, If it is dripping more than about 4 times per minute, tighten up the packing nut. Not too much - try a 1/2 turn first. Yes, it shouldn't run hot. I repacked 15 years ago when I put a new bottom on my X55 and may have adjusted it twice.
	54 Atom 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete <

Checking packing?

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