Stuffing box drip and shaft turning in neutral

[Just Limin']

How much should the stuffing box drip? Should it drip in neutral? Is it OK that the shaft turns while it's in neutral (slowly)?


Thanks.

Just Limin'
R 25 SC

 

[captain's cat]

READ THIS... Stuffing box info.

Not sure what sort of transmission Ranger uses. The slow rotation may be normal.

 

[PhilR]

The drive shaft in my boat turns slowly when in neutral. I assume this is normal.

Phil

 

[Zundels]

Our R-25 drive shaft turns in neutral also.

 

[bbrh842]

Shaft turns in neutral on my R-25 also.
The so called "dripless" seal, also drips, about a drop every 30 seconds.
If it dripped excessivly, I would tighten it up a bit, about 1/8 of a turn.

 

[sidetrack]

The turning shaft is a result of oil pressure. You should be able to stop it with your hand. If you cant then check a service rep. It should not actually be in gear. Its a slight nuisance when you'd rather be sitting still... but its not a bad thing. As for the stuffing box... the previous posts are correct. Having a minimal drip is not a bad thing. A stuffing box can be tightened too much and result in shaft wear.

 

[tugabee]

Here is a related question: If the boat is on the trailer for a few weeks in hot dry weather, does the stuffing box dry out and leak more than normal when the boat is put back in the water?

Tony

 

[captain's cat]

I would think that it might at first but after it gets wet and is run, it should swell up and drip less. It would pay to check it then however.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I see you are from Maryland, which means you may keep your boat in or around the Chesapeake Bay and in tidal water. if this is the case the movement of the current, coming and going, can make your prop shaft rotate and this is very normal.

Jim F

 

[commander bill]

I have the same dripless shaft but have never had a leak. My boat has remained the dryest boat I have ever been associated with. One question I have is I did not think the dripless seal had any adjustment. Does anyone have a drawing showing where to tighten. Maybe there is more than one type dripless seal in use as mine looks like ther is no adjustment

I generaly remove the purge hose once a year while operating the engine on the trailor. I can then observe the flow and quality of water going to the seal