Rudder packing - first time
Greatings,
At the end of last summer, my port rudder packing began to leak at a pretty good rate. This would be my first time having to change the packing. I'm looking for any tips that might help with this process. Does anyone know the size for the packing? (1/8", 1/4", 3/8"...) I have found a few videos which have served to calm my nerves. However, I would greatly appreciate any advice toward getting a successful outcome. At the end of the season, I did attempt to loosen the castle nut...it didn't budge at all.
ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Sincerely,
David Schueckler
Suite 64
38' Commander
FXA009R
202 Views
I recommend picking up 2 pairs of plier wrenches.
They were technically designed for plumbing with adjustable smooth jaws that dont mare chrome fittings.
I've found they do a wonderful job on packing nuts and are a much better quality tool than the adjustable packing wrenches all the marine suppliers sell.
Put one wrench on the packing nut and the other on the jamb nut . This works well when trying to free a packing nut that hasn't moved in a long while.