Rudder Packing Question

[BornToBoat]

I have noticed seepage from the rudder packings on my 97 330 SD. In my five seasons with the boat the packing has never been changed.

1. Can I try tightening the packing nut, or will taht cause problems?

2. How often should packing need to be replaced?

3. Can I replace the packing without having to haul the boat?

4. Is it something I can do myself?

 

[Double D]

Rob......When I had my 95 330DA.....I had the same seepage. I was lucky just to re-tighten the packing nuts to stop the problem. Maybe try that first......before you go thru all the expense to haul the boat ?

The top nut is a lock nut......loosen it.....re-tighten the main nut.......re-tighten the lock nut. Thats how I did mine.

 

[Bob J]

Answers:
1) Yes; don't overtighten...just til leaking
stops. Shaft doesn't spin like shaft does so
slt. over tightening can't really hurt.
Remove linkage & see if you can turn rudder
by hand.
2) Hard to say. Have had 3 boats over the last
31 years. 10, 6 & 15 years each. Never
replaced nor needed to adjust packing on any
of them.
3) Yes, have packing rings precut on the bias.
Water will come in but as soon as you get at
least one ring in water will reduce
substantially. Good to have ass't nearby.
4) The fact that you're asking, makes me wonder
if this is something you want to tackle. Not
all that difficult BUT ?

 

[BornToBoat]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I just bought a packing nut wrench, and will try tightening next weekend.