Water Cooled Stuffing Box

[hanleyclifford]

Does anyone have any experience with this type of box or know where they can be purchased?

[Administrator]

PSS makes a dripless shaft seal which is similar.

HTH.

Bill

[Hymodyne]

In my recent search for a stuffing box, I came across this type:

http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/products/dripless-shaft-seals-inch

Not exactly the same as pictured, but water cooled.

James

[hanleyclifford]

I'm not especially interested in the dripless feature; it's the water cooling that I'm looking for. Because of the long days of constant running on the (silty) ICW, water cooling/cleaning makes sense for me.

[ndutton]

I like the way you're thinking Hanley, you know why.

That does not look like a stuffing box to me. I see no way to install packing nor any way to adjust the packing tightness. Perhaps what's pictured is in fact a seal that requires a means of burping trapped air (typical of seal systems).

[hanleyclifford]

Yes, the one I posted is a "dripless" unit, same as the link posted. I have always been suspicious of those things. I like the old fashioned "knuckle busting twist 'em" style packing gland, but I want water cooling. I have ruled out boring into the sternpost and shaft log so I'm looking for the water cooled unit with standard packing.

[ndutton]

How much room do you have between the current stuffing box and the engine coupler?

[thatch]

Hanley, That type of stuffing box is often used in high speed applications but would certainly do the job for our A4's. Try the stuffing box section of the online catalog at "glenwoodmarine.net."
Tom

[hanleyclifford]

How much room do you have between the current stuffing box and the engine coupler?

I think 4 to 5 inches.

[ndutton]

Take a look at McMaster-Carr item #53605K44 or whatever size is suitable. It may be a little long but could be shortened. With it you could make your own water injection port and still use the current stuffing box. The downside is another set of hose connections. Benefit vs. liability trade off as usual.

I have to say I'm not a fan of seals of any sort in a gritty silty environment, don't think you are either.

[hanleyclifford]

Take a look at McMaster-Carr item #53605K44 or whatever size is suitable. It may be a little long but could be shortened. With it you could make your own water injection port and still use the current stuffing box. The downside is another set of hose connections. Benefit vs. liability trade off as usual.

I have to say I'm not a fan of seals of any sort in a gritty silty environment, don't think you are either.

I had a look at that but actually I already have that option. What do you think?

[ndutton]

I'm liking it. You may have to rebore (hone, trim) the I.D. after the adapter is installed to insure shaft clearance but knowing you I'd bet you're on top of it anyway.

I've said it before, this is a great improvement to full keel installations in the deadwood and rarely seen.

[romantic comedy]

I dont see an advantage here. i would think that there is always water at the packing, even at hull speed. So what would be the advantage of having the added fitting?

I could see if it was high speed, and the water was not getting to the stuffing box, and it was running hot. Is it running hot?

Why do you want the "added water"?

[ndutton]

I dont see an advantage here. i would think that there is always water at the packing, even at hull speed. So what would be the advantage of having the added fitting?

I could see if it was high speed, and the water was not getting to the stuffing box, and it was running hot. Is it running hot?

Why do you want the "added water"?

You or me Hanley? It's your thread so I'll defer to you.

[hanleyclifford]

I'm liking it. You may have to rebore (hone, trim) the I.D. after the adapter is installed to insure shaft clearance but knowing you I'd bet you're on top of it anyway.

I've said it before, this is a great improvement to full keel installations in the deadwood and rarely seen.

As you can see, this is an old piece of bronze (1964?). Probably 1/4" thick. I believe I will go with this since I have a drill press and should be able to get a good straight hole. My only concern is that the brass fitting will be of much lower nobility and will have to be watched. I'll get back with more pics of the job.