c28 Flax Packing

[piglet 2013]

Does anyone know the size of the flax packing in the shaft log. Second, How do you get down there to replace it? I am not a large man but at 60 not as flexible as I would like to be. This is a very tight spot any suggestions would be helpful. My c28 has the Volvo D4 and the Mase gen mounted beside the engine.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[Gypsy]

I also have a C28. I am 78, and have no problem adjusting the shaft packing. I simply call my skinny grandson, or one of his skinny friends, and hand them the wrenches.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi,

The packing material should be 1/4". Can't say exactly for sure, as we no longer build the 28 and therefore have no glands in inventory where I can check, but the Marine Hardware catalog seems to indicate that their 1.5" glands are packed with 1/4 inch material. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[piglet 2013]

Thanks for all the replies. will try the 1/4 packing. Looks like I need to find a skinny young friend to install it!

 

[knotflying]

Make sure you get all the old packing out. A curved pick and a corkscrew type of tool can work well. The packing should be in three pieces. When installing pre-cut the pieces on a bias and stagger the joints. Getting a dowel or small piece if PVC pipe the same diameter as the shaft is an easy template to precut the pieces. I also made up a small piece of PVC pipe cut in half that will fit over the shaft. After you get the first piece in you can then squeeze the stuffing material tightly into the shaft cap using a large channel lock plier. Do the same for the second piece. Then screw the cap on and snug it down. Remove it and install the third. Once installed do not over tighten the nut. Snug it up and put the boat in the water and only tighten enough until water stops dripping. Then run around a bit and let the packing wear in. As the drip increases tighten ever so slightly. When appropriately tightened you should get a drip every 20 seconds when running in gear. Nothing when stopped.

 

[CaptT]

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17472&start=0&hilit=C28+packing+material

The link above is to an earlier thread that Brian, BBMARINE, does an excellent step by step description on how to do the repacking as well as what tools to use.
Hope this helps.
Terry
Edit This is specifically for a C28.