Rudder Stuffing Box - 350 Mariner

[TonyC]

All,

The port rudder stuffing box started to leak this summer. I did tighten but only reduced but did not stop the leaking. Now in storage for the winter, I unscrewed the female end, pulled it up as far as possible and had difficulty seeing any signs of the stuffing. I did manage to get a pic (not great) and is attached. The white material appears to be what is left of the stuffing.

I plan to clean out whatever is in the housing and re-stuff. The Owners Manual indicates three rings of impregnated FTE 1/4" stuffing. Unable to find FTE but due to the age of the boat and new developments there must be updated types. Also, 1/4" seem a tad thick for the space provided.

Has anyone changed the stuffing on their rudders? Does the above sound correct? Suggestions?

Thanks,

TonyC

[SanJuanDreamer]

I used gortex, whatever size was called for, did it some time ago.

[mjk1040]

Tony; Hopefully Viper will chime in on this, there are multiple types of packing out there, I believe there is a PTE type now. At least u know the size, does it tell u how many rings of material to put in? May I suggest while u r at it to repack the other one too. Mike

[TonyC]

Tony; Hopefully Viper will chime in on this, there are multiple types of packing out there, I believe there is a PTE type now. At least u know the size, does it tell u how many rings of material to put in? May I suggest while u r at it to repack the other one too. Mike

Hi Mike,

Yes, the diagram shows three rings per side. I do plan to replace both sides this winter. Thanks for the reply.

TonyC

[TonyC]

Source of the post I used gortex, whatever size was called for, did it some time ago.

Do you recall if it was 1/4"?

[SanJuanDreamer]

I'll take a look at my manuals...that's probably where I found the size and lay-out.

[jcoll]

Just got done doing mine on a 355 Aftcabin. The parts manual indicated 1/4" material. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that your Mariner is the same.

[TonyC]

Source of the post Just got done doing mine on a 355 Aftcabin. The parts manual indicated 1/4" material. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that your Mariner is the same.

Thanks, jcoll. Unless I hear otherwise, will go with 1/4". Do you recall the type of material used?

TonyC

[Viper]

.... Do you recall the type of material used?...

Chances are it's standard flax packing. For rudders, I wouldn't stress too much about using more exotic materials.

[TonyC]

Source of the post

.... Do you recall the type of material used?...

Chances are it's standard flax packing. For rudders, I wouldn't stress too much about using more exotic materials.

Agree Viper. Friction is significantly less at the rudder than at the drive shaft. Thanks.