Packing new stuffing box

[Robert Miller]

I have re-powered my Stone Horse with a Beta 14. New 3/4" shaft with Buck Algonquin spud type stuffing box. Specified packing for that arrangement is 3/8". I've decided to try Gore GFO packing this time.

Only two rings of packing comfortably fit inside spud (gland). Most recommendations advise three. But there really isn't space enough.

What do folks think? Are two rings sufficient, inasmuch as the space for packing material is essentially filled using two?

I appreciate all thoughts here.

Thank you.

Robert

[kiwi]

I looked at this part of FL26 and TW28 construction as I am not comfortable with water entry points

From my questions to folk at boat shows my underdstanding is that the exterior one swells and stops all the water. The second one is your backup and when you notice on inspection that water is pearling out of the interior side of the stuffing box you need to plan to change the stuffing.

Hope that helps

Cheers

Tony

[PAR]

Can you install two rings then dog the gland nut hard, then remove and see if a third will fit? When clients can afford it, I try hard to convince them they should employ the new style dripless style of stuffing box. They aren't cheap, but are a much more elegant solution.