Stuffing Box

[sjreib]

I have a 2017 C30CB. When cold, my stuffing box drips every 5-6 seconds. Is this normal? These drips often fall on the bilge pump sensor(no float switch that I can see) and triggers the bilge pump un-nessasarily. I can prevent the pump from cycling with a fabric source placed below the stuffing box, but would like to find a better solution.
Do I need to tighten the stuffing box screw?

Thanks,

sjreib

 

[BB marine]

I have a 2017 C30CB. When cold, my stuffing box drips every 5-6 seconds. Is this normal? These drips often fall on the bilge pump sensor(no float switch that I can see) and triggers the bilge pump un-nessasarily. I can prevent the pump from cycling with a fabric source placed below the stuffing box, but would like to find a better solution.
Do I need to tighten the stuffing box screw?

Thanks,

sjreib

With the engine running 1 drip every 20 seconds would be good. Rule of thumb is 3 drips a minute engine running in gear. Engine not running there should be no drips. One drip every 6 seconds equates to 10 drips a minute. It would be time to make a small adjustment. It doesn't take much, start with a 1/2 flat ( 1/16 th of a turn ) adjust until you get 3 drips a minute ,engine running in gear.

 

[sjreib]

Thanks Brian, will make an adjustment; never thought about doing anything in the engine compartment while underway
Sounds a bit dicey.

Steve

 

[BB marine]

Steve, I don't do the adjustments while under way. I do them at the dock. Bow line, stern line, adjust the spring lines for even pull, rudder straight, kick it in gear for checking drips. When you are making adjustments in neutral. I make small increments, first move 1/8 turn, next if needed half that 1/16th. After making the adjustment at the dock then take it out on the water and check it for leaks and if you have a IR temp gun check the running temperature of the gland. It may be as high as 20F above ambient water temperature just after adjusting but after a run it will normally be no higher then 10F above.