Prop Shaft Stuffing Box Acess

[mike99]

I was able to acess the propp shaft stuffing box on my 1969 Pearson 35 by enlarging the cutout in the bulkhead under
the counter. I could not see any other way to reach it without
removing the engine or fuel tank(30gll monel)
.
There was already a 3ft x 3ft cutout I made a addtional 1/2 moon cut about 6"x10" this enabled me to get my head and
arms back to work on the stuffing box.
I still had to remove strainer , heat exchanger hoses ,racor, etc, but now I have reasonable acess to the prop shaft, stuffing box, as well as the coupling and transmision.

I checked with a friend who is a surveyor and previously
owned a P35 he saw no problem with doing this. I may
replace the piece by sistering in some starboard lumber
but he saw no reason to do this.

Mike D

[Harris]

Hey MIke

I understand your issue with getting to the shaft. Had the same problem. It always annoyed me if I really needed to get to it but couldn't. The way I solved it was to change out the fuel tank. You might take a look at my solution to this issue. I can now reach the shaft anytime and have a fuel tank in place at the same time. What you are describing sounds like a tough solution. Could work but you will still be standing on your head to do the work on the shaft. Well, there again I think you will be standing on your head no mater what way you do it. Keep me posted on your solution. Might be worth a write up with pictures for all of us.

www.pearson35.com/projects/new_fuel_tank.htm

Harris

[jeffgerritsen]

Mike, During vacation the stuffing box started leaking at about 90 drips / min when the engine was off. I have the Atomic 4 and the 30 gal fuel tank. What I did was remove the spark plug wires, lay a couple of towels and sheets over the spark plugs (a vain attempt to prevent bruising from the spark plug tips), laid over the engine and did the adjustment.

I realize the Atomic 4 maybe quite a bit smaller than a diesel, but I had enough room to work - just barley!

Jeff.