Replacing the Shaft Packing.. .why so hard?

[bkearney]

I have a 2003 LSV, and I have gotten some 3/16# shaft packing. I undid some hoses to get to the glad, unscrewed it, and removed the old packing. I am having a b**ch of a time getting the new packing back in. Do I have the right size? Is there some voodoo? Am I just being a Nancy?

I have been using this[1] as a guide, but it deals with the shaft being off the boat.. which is a benefit I do not have.

[1] http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box

[sandm]

it was a bitch for me. go to walmart and pick up a dental pick to stuff it in and a mirror to see.

[bkearney]

I got the stuff out with an AWL.... it is getting it back in which sucks for me.

[sandm]

I used a pick as mentioned. it was a pita and took some time, but it eventually went in.

[bkearney]

I got some advice from the folks at White Lake Marine. They said to use Gortex instead of the flax on this year boat. A bit smaller, and rounder on the corners. It went in much easier. I bet I could have used 1/8 inch flax for the same effect. Anyways.. it is in and dripping a bit. I assume a good tightening and I will be set.