Here is where we ended up fitting a new Algonquin model # 00PB125GG packing gland. This may only apply to early 31s. Mine is 1968 hull #1 out if the Tennessee plant. I am told later models may havehad the engine room bulkhead moved forward. We had to cut the hose end off the packing gland at the second rib and trim 1/2” off the shaft log to allow a 1/2” space between the packing gland and the log. The gland was preloaded with packing GTU and formable by sliding the gland on the removed shaft tapered end. This allowed us to install the gland into the log hose then slide the shaft in and then slide the coupler into place. We discovered the coupler end of the shaft had been machined .002 under to allow it to slide into place without excess force. A second keeper bolt had also been added. At the dock nothing leaked and after about 15 min rotaing the shaft at idle we started to see very slow drip. Alingment at the coupler was within .003 . The coupler temp went from 120° to 85° at about 30 min. I was told most people are not patient enough and one needs about 8 hours run time for everything to settle in. I will get back to you all and report on if the formable packing is truely dripless. Back in the water, new bottom, repaired and refinished swim deck, new trim tab teak blocks, new backing for transome attachments. Yesterday we splashed.
We traveled back to our slip from the yard yesterday, 26 miles. The packing gland got up to 120°.I shit down the engine to let it cool down. I have been told “be patient as the packing set don’t over tighten too soon”. So how hot is too hot?
John was the packing box leaking while underway and or at the dock after cool down.
Yes and yes.. just started underway then a little more after cool down. My thought is just letbit work itself. I have the formable between The GTU
A good rule of thumb on packing gland temperature is they should never get hotter than 30-40 degrees above the temperature of the sea water your floating in.
Ran across this apparently new product, might be a good fit for our boats?
https://retmarine.com/shop/stubby-pro-shaft-seals/
It looks good Scott. My issue is on my 31 Salon it is hull #1 and the forward engine room bulkhead was further aft leaving less room for the packing assembly. This new unit is too long overall. I would live to see all the parts to see if it could be modified. The original packing gland was undersized and used a hose within a hose to get the gland to mate with the shaft log. The starboard gland was bottomed out and the ears bent. I was able to fit a standard Buck Algonquin 1-1/4” shaft x 2-1/4” log by cutting down the log and the tail of the packing on the starboard engine. The port packing is the original and has adjustment left but it’s next. The new gland you found starts at 1-1/2” shaft but maybe they will have a small size. I like the design , it makes sense.
So I have sent a few inquiries about price and installation instructions for the stubby pro…. Anyone tried one of these units to see if it performs as advertised??