Another packing gland question

[DBBRanger]

I’ve got a 2008 R25 with a 110hp engine. I have read all the posts about drip rate etc, but have not seen an answer to my question. I replaced the packing some 60 engine hours ago. I didn’t tighten the nut tightly since I replaced the packing while on the trailer. The first time I had it in the water, it did not drip at all and has not dripped since. AND……. the packing nut and gland does not get the least bit warm. When I say it doesn’t drip, I mean the bilge is bone dry. I just cruised for three hours at cruising speed of 1800 rpm - no drips. Recently, I loosened the nut and verified that the gland was not tight. Also, when I run the engine on the trailer, there is a good flow of water through the bearing out to the outside.

Question is: should I be concerned since the gland doesn’t get warm?

 

[knotflying]

The answer is no. I would get more concerned if it got hot. My rule of thumb is, when using a lazar thermometer, the assembly should not be warmer than 15 to 20 degrees than the water you are cruising in.

 

[DBBRanger]

Thanks Mike. I’ll keep a good watch on it.