Propshaft Packing Question

[sailing now]

Our Jeanneau has a 30mm shaft. I had the packing replaced a couple years ago and it leaks. I tightened the flange as tight as it will go and it still leaks. I disassembled and found four wraps of packing material. I believe since the boat is French built and everything else is metric, the yard used 1/4" packing material which is to small (hence the four wraps). Has anyone heard of packing material in METRIC sizes? If so, I'd appreciate info on where I can buy some.
Thanks, Jay

[Vasco]

Can you try 5/16? Here's the metric stuff
http://www.epm.com/packing_sizes.htm

[sailing now]

Rick: I tried a piece of that size today. Seemed too tight to me. Keep in mind this is my first venture into this repair. Then I researched metric sizes. A friend on another board found a source in Holland that he could get product in metric sizes from for me, but 6mm would be too small, they don't make 7mm and 8mm is basicly 5/16. I'm going to try to "roll" (flatten) the 5/16 just a little and I'll bet it will work.

[gonesail]

shaft size is not what determines the packing size. you need to look at the gland itself and see what stuffing gap it has. a common stuffing box brand is buck algonquin.

[S&S]

Remember, if it doesn't leak at all it's too tight and will burn the packing. Should drip about 4 drops a min when not spinning and 8 to 10/min when running. Water is the lubricant for these.

[forsailbyowner]

my boats manual says to use 3 separate pieces with the ends where they meet 180 degrees apart. It specifically states do not spiral wrap.

[mesquaukee]

Use the biggest size that will sqeeze or you can flatten to fit in there. I have been using some type of teflon impregnated packing material that dosen't drip at all at rest, one drop a minute or so when rotating. Installed it 6 years ago and never adjusted it since.

[sailing now]

Project completed this morning. 3 wraps (or layers) snugly installed and buttoned up.. All hose clamps replaced as well.
Not a terribly easy job. Tight quarters to work in and also being just 10 weeks out of shoulder surgery didn't make it any easier either. Thanks again to all that offered advice.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by sailing now

Project completed this morning...

Congratulations !
Did you use the "flattened" 5/16" ∅, in (3) SEPARATE pieces (not "wrapped) ?

[sailing now]

Aye! Twas that I did..cut each piece of 5/16 teflon impregnated packing to the proper length then took a rolling pin and flattened it a wee bit more. Worked it into the gland then pushed it to the rear of the gland. Ends were butted nicely. Repeated twice more with butt joints 180 degrees opposite. Installed compression collar and lightly snugged it up. Sound right?

[GordMay]

Sounds right, to me!

Since bevelled ends offer more butting surface, cut the packing on a bias (± 45 deg).