Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Stern gland packing size

Zoom 495 at 07/04/2016 03:14:59
Hello sailors!
Does anyone know what size and type of packing is best suited to the packing gland on the one inch prop shaft? The gland is the original one with the manual greaser on it.
Thanks,kris

George Isted at 07/04/2016 09:49:03
I am not sure of the size but have seen that you can now buy packing with Graphite in it, I presume that this is to reduce friction on the shaft, less friction results in less heat so it “should” be possible to make it a bit tighter (maybe).

I think the stuff I used was impregnated with PTFE but that was about 8 years ago. Your post reminds me that I should inspect and/or replace the packing next time my boat is out.

Zoom 495 at 07/04/2016 14:43:24
Thanks George,
I am in the middle of a major haul out, so it is all ( well almost!) getting done. It is difficult to ascertain the size of the packing that was in the gland as there isn’t much left…
It would be nice to access the technical papers especially the one re smelly bilges, but I am still unable to since the website was changed. Are you able, as a moderator, to find out why?
Thanks George,kris

George Isted at 08/04/2016 11:43:09
Hi Kris,
If you are a member of the class association you will have been sent an email with your username and password to access the members area of the website. The technical papers are Resources tab. If you are not a member you may wish to join as it’s only £20/year and funds both this forum, the website and many other activities we are involved in to promote and support the Contessa 32 and their owners.

Hope this helps

Richard Ritchie at 12/04/2016 15:54:42
Just done mine: it was 5mm or 3/16th.
But I do not think there is anything like a standard: depends on the fitting used.
I actually got the size too big (1/4 inch) and had a devil of a job trying to get it in, then could not quite get in only 3 of teh 4 layers.
The smaller size went in easily.
If you can, measure the difference in diameter: it should be snug but not tight until you compress it.. And you can also check the depth of sleeve into which you are going to have to fit it, then add screw thread overlap.
Hope htat helps.

Victoria808 at 18/12/2018 11:33:19
I bought my 32 in May this year. I had noticed a collection of sea water under my engine. After poking about I noticed a drip coming from the prop shaft. I spoke with a chap who suggested this is relatively normal and there will be a grease gun that delivers grease to the shaft, which I’ve found. I twist the gun every so often when the engine is driving the prop and it seems to help. However the amount of water seems to be quite variable. Nothing for two weeks then almost 3 buckets full. Is there something that needs servicing? I’m planning a late winter haul out on a slip trolley to service the sea cocks, so could do this then if do-able?
Thanks for nay advice

waratah912 at 21/12/2018 09:07:52
Give the stern gland greaser a turn until it goes “tight” after you shut down the engine. That should reduce drips when the engine isn’t running. It should drip slowly when the shaft is turning.

Victoria808 at 21/12/2018 11:29:42
Thanks for that Paul – is there any particular grease you would recommend when refilling?
Cheers

waratah912 at 21/12/2018 12:20:56
Any waterproof grease, e.g. Morris K99 (which is recommended by them!) for stern tubes.

Victoria808 at 21/12/2018 15:22:39
thanks for your help – that’s very useful

George Isted at 21/12/2018 19:38:58
If you find after a while that you are using an excessive amount of grease to keep the water out then it is relatively east to nip up the gland a bit but be careful not to go too far as too much can case overheating of the gland. No problem with it getting a little warm in use but it should not get hot.