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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I had reason to replace the rubber in the stuffing
box and stern tube this spring; I found the following:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. Flax packing installed 3 years ago still
functional.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. No adjustment to the packing gland had
ever been made; was damp to the touch continuously, making a drop or two of
water about once a minute. Stainless shaft showed some wear but no
scoring.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. The packing gland was frozen, and no
amount to pressure was going to free it, regardless of the tools
used.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The problem was that there was vertigris built up
in the threads of the gland. I solved the problem by simply removing the
gland (removing both clamps).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>BUT, if I had not been replacing rubber (and
packing) I could have used a 2-5% solution of vinegar poured over the
fitting/soaking the fitting until loosened. I ended up soaking
the gland in a milk jug full of vinegar until clean anyway. Wash in clean water
w/ detergent before re-assembly.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Vinegar that you buy in a supermarket is somewhere
between 2-5%. White vinegar is best, but anything will do. In
Europe, vinegar of various strengths is sold in stores for cleaning of various
sorts; the 20% stuff will clean anything, take the skin off your fingers and the
enamel off your teeth, makes your eyes water, and can be dangerous if
misused. They are a less litigous society than ours, and actually
assume that if you buy it, you are responsible for its proper use.....It is more
environmentally friendly.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>PS. The last time I rebuilt the bronze head pump, I
soaked it overnight to remove all the vertigris..........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Rob</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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