J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Dripless Stuffing Box Leaking

The saga with Blitz continues:

I had the boat out of the water over the winter. New bottom, rebalance prop, etc. Had her put in yesterday thinking I would be good to go for NOODs this weekend here in Annapolis. No joy...

Dropped the boat into gear and the dripless stuffing box began spewing water. I "burped" it before starting the engine to ensure there was a wet seal established before turning the prop. No issues in reverse but as soon as she goes in forward I get water...and not a small amount of it.

It seems like the carbon ring slips lower on the stainless rotor thereby allowing the leak. I can re-center the ring while the shaft is turning and the leaking stops.

I've read that I can move the steel rotor aft to get more compression on the bellows but I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this issue.

My alternative option is to replace the entire system.

Thanks....

Move the ring. Also check to make sure you don't have a bad engine mount where the rubber has separated causing more engine movement. Also check that the shaft is locked in tight to the coupling and not sliding.