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Prop shaft packing

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trebot
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Prop shaft packing

Post by trebot » Wed Mar 31, 2021 2:28 pm

Instaled new s/s prop shaft and strut bearing. How do I determine the proper tightening of the packing jam nut? It's on a '56 Continental.

jfrprops
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Re: Prop shaft packing

Post by jfrprops » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:28 am

well, suspecting you have the two part glans type...put some of the correct size packing on/in and then tighten the two bolts equally and let it drip a little...tighten to taste as they say...she needs to drip. Same deal basically if you have the big nut style. Do fret over this...it is an inexact science. John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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maritimeclassics
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Re: Prop shaft packing

Post by maritimeclassics » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:30 am

This is what I do and most of the time it works. Obviously you have put in new packing and when your tightening it on the shaft for the first time do it by hand as tight as you can get it. Then with a wrench give it a quarter turn and most of the time this is the right amount. You will have to check it when you put the boat in the water to make sure. It's commonly over looked but check it every couple outings at first as the packing wears and breaks in, then check it about once a month. This also goes for the rudder packing.
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Bilge Rat
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Re: Prop shaft packing

Post by Bilge Rat » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:39 am

Don't forget to tighten the locking nut against the packing gland after each adjustment. Otherwise it could loosen from the shaft friction when you're going forward.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

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