Best material to use when repacking stuffing box

ripcurl2785 · 09-29-2009, 12:18 PM

What is everyones preffered or favorite packing to use when doiing their stuffing box's. I used normal flax and it drips way more than u would like. Tim

clt_capt · 09-29-2009, 03:54 PM

I've been using the teflon impregnated flax for a while now and I'm mostly pleased with it.

Next Haulout, I will be switching to dripless stuffing boxes though. Most likely Tides, as their system offers easy backup without requiring a haulout.

Questsportfishing · 09-30-2009, 07:47 AM

sorry you asked...

but do save yourself salt water spray, leaking shafts and worry about bilge water and get yourself some dripless seal systems.... they are worth their weight in gold (do the rudders also ...) gust from the reduced corrosion from slinging salt they are worth it! but for now they had it right get the fax with teflon wax and make sure you cut it properly, overlap it proper and make sure you dig out all the old packing before you start re-packing the seal..

Avenger · 09-30-2009, 10:52 AM

Look into Gore-tex packing. I think it sells under the name GFO. It works better than the standard flax packing, drips less and lasts longer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on installation and break-in. The break-in is especially critical.

Dripless is nice, but it's expensive. Also, if the seal area on your shafts is worn, which it probably is from the old style stuffing boxes, most dripless seal systems will not work on it. If you're replacing shafts anyway then spring for the dripless, otherwise it ain't broke, just upgrade it. There's a reason fiber packing has been around as long as it has. It's simple, cost effective and reliable.

09-30-2009, 07:47 AM	#3
Questsportfishing Crab mustard is good Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Posts: 982 Credits: 3,302.5 Boat: 28' Custom Bertram Home Port: Port Everglades Best Catch: the one that makes people smile! Occupation: Sport Fishing Captian	a set of dripless seals.... LOL sorry you asked... but do save yourself salt water spray, leaking shafts and worry about bilge water and get yourself some dripless seal systems.... they are worth their weight in gold (do the rudders also ...) gust from the reduced corrosion from slinging salt they are worth it! but for now they had it right get the fax with teflon wax and make sure you cut it properly, overlap it proper and make sure you dig out all the old packing before you start re-packing the seal..

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09-29-2009, 03:54 PM	#2
clt_capt If Ignorance is bliss, Why aren't more people happy? Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Raleigh, MHC Posts: 5,946 Credits: 8,636.2 Boat: Luhrs 36 Home Port: MHC Occupation: Supporting my Tackle habit	I've been using the teflon impregnated flax for a while now and I'm mostly pleased with it. Next Haulout, I will be switching to dripless stuffing boxes though. Most likely Tides, as their system offers easy backup without requiring a haulout.

09-30-2009, 10:52 AM	#4
Avenger Crab mustard is good Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 753 Credits: 2,415.6 Boat: 36' Hatteras Convertible Occupation: Pelagician	Look into Gore-tex packing. I think it sells under the name GFO. It works better than the standard flax packing, drips less and lasts longer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on installation and break-in. The break-in is especially critical. Dripless is nice, but it's expensive. Also, if the seal area on your shafts is worn, which it probably is from the old style stuffing boxes, most dripless seal systems will not work on it. If you're replacing shafts anyway then spring for the dripless, otherwise it ain't broke, just upgrade it. There's a reason fiber packing has been around as long as it has. It's simple, cost effective and reliable.