Stuffing Box clamp

[John M]

While getting our '73 P35 ready for sailing, I noticed that one of the hose clamps to the stuffing box had broken. when I poked at it with an extension, it fell away into the bilge.

So - I have three clamps left. 2 aft and 1 forward. How much trouble and how urgent is this?

Thanks,
John

[roscoe1]

John.
All clamps below the waterline are of the up-most importance
and if one fell off you can bet the others will need atention..
This job will take the best part of a day to do.
. . When replacing the clamps inspect the stuffing box hose if it is in danger of rupture replace it as well use only 100% stainless clamps replace one at a time.
The job will be easier with the fuel tank removed.
I would also check ALL clamps
Roscoe

[John M]

Thanks Roscoe,

We bought 4 clamps before returning to the boat, and as you suggested, the others were rusted.

This job was designed for a contortionist. We did not investigate how to remove the fuel tank, but lay on top of the engine instead. I'm not sure i recommend this, since we were laying on a lot of seemingly delicate engine parts (injectors, etc.) After the job our Westerbeke engine breaker kept tripping when starting. we had to jostle the wiring harness (which we laid on) to get it to stop tripping.

We may have created a monster here.

John

[roscoe1]

John
I bet it was a job getting at the clamps from the top of the engine. Did you check the through hulls clamps?Since they were installed at the same time You could have a problem with them. It would be worth the time to check them
in order to find a short you will have to open the wiring harness and check for frayed or broken wires You can patch or replace the problem wires. It is better to make this repair at the dock than on the water.
Safe sailing is much more fun.
Roscoe

[Mark Mulligan]

I removed the fuel tank this past winter to replace the stuffing box hose and repack. I camp out surprisingly easy. Because my hot water heater blocks removal to starboard, I removed all fule fittings (the hardest part), removed the straps and it came straight out through the port locker.