Caleb,
3/16" packing is what you want to go with your 1" shaft and stuffing box.? 1/4" is too tight (don't ask me how I know this).
Alas. I am going to ask. I have repacked my stuffing box twice -- once in the water, and again when I replaced the entire stuffing box with a brand new one. According to the manufacturers website, the new stuffing box I am using does require 1/4" stuffing. However, I feel like packing the new glad was much harder than when I did it the first time. However, I have no records as to what size I used for the first time. (But, then I got smart and started keeping records, which is how I know I used 1/4" the second time).
Since the second time was with a new shaft and a new stuffing box, I wondered if the difference was that I used a different size packing material, or if it was just that everything was new.
I have not relaunched since I repacked, so I can not report on how it works in practice.
Here is my data saying that 1/4" is the 'official recommendation':
I can see you have been recommending the 3/16" over the 1/4" for at least 8 years,
I guess I am wondering if your recommendation has always been contrary to what the manufacturer recommends, or do I actually have a slightly different setup?
Given that I just paid for a new prop shaft, I am inclined to re-repack with the 3/16" and only re-re-repack with 1/4" if it seems to be dripping too much.
- jeremy
