2016 C-26 Shaft Stuffing Box Water Injection Fitting

[koedding@comcast.net]

I posted this before, but now have better data. The water injection fitting on the stuffing box broke. This is the original factory installation and no changes have been made to the running gear. I obtained what appeared to be the correct fitting from West Marine. Upon removal of the broken fitting, the threaded end is 1/8" shorter than what I found at West Marine. It also appears to have been cut to the shorter length. I suspect this is due to not wanting the fitting bottoming out on the propeller shaft. I have photos of the stuffing box with the fitting removed and a side by side image of the broken and new fitting. But, I can't figure out how to upload the images. For the lack of a low dollar fitting, we can't use our boat. Where can I get a replacement?

 

[CaptT]

If the fitting is made of bronze you may be able to grind it to the correct size. Placing a small nut on the threaded end at the point of the correct length you should be able to grind it to that point and preserve the threads. You may need to clean up the threads with a very thin knife file after taking the nut back off.
I'm making this suggestion without seeing the pictures so am trying to visualize it in my head.
I hope this helps, if not, have you tried calling Fluid Motions directly? Or the supplier of the marine hardware/stuffing box?
Trying to brainstorm a bit here.

Terry

 

[knotflying]

I would cut it as Terry says and then you can use the boat. At your leasure you can then determine if you can find a shorter threaded fitting. However, as they say, if it works, don't fix it.

 

[CaptT]

Another way of shortening the insertion of the fitting would be to use a nut to lock/jam the fitting 1/8" short. By using a nut an an adjustment for the depth of the fitting it should still serve the purpose of the fitting yet position it at the proper depth. This would serve as a locking nut against movement any further in, scoring the shaft. I, personally, would use either two nuts, causing a locking effect, or some type of thread lock to prevent any movement.
Terry

 

[BB marine]

It is a marine hardware stuffing box. I simple call to tech service there will give you the answer you are looking for. I would assume it is a standard NPT but I would not tell anyone it is. I also would not use a brass fitting in a through hull application. Assuming you purchased a brass barb fitting. The mix of bronze and Brass and salt water is not a good mix for applications that could flood a boat. I have ordered parts from marine hardware and received them in lees than 5 days. I believe in OEM recommended parts when it comes to things like this.