Replacing Shaft Packing

(MBBoss210) · (MBBoss210) **Join Date: Jan 2014** 03-19-2014, 9:39 AM

Hey Guys,

I'm doing some spring maintenance on my 1997 MB Boss 210 and want to replace the driveshaft packing. I did notice some water coming in last season and feel it's related to the shaft as it comes in more heavy when under way and less when sitting idle or off. I purchase GFO packing with hopes this lasts and performs better than the standard rope. What I'm trying to figure out is how to get the the stuffing box? If I open the engine cover, it seems to go well behind and under the rear seating area. Can this be done from under the boat removing the prop and getting to the shaft from there? Or do I need to start taking the floor out to get further back? Any input is welcome and appreciated! I hope to get this installed soon so I can start getting back on the water in a few weeks.

(jonblarc7) · (jonblarc7) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 03-19-2014, 10:38 AM

Not sure about your boat but you probably need to remove some of the floor so you can reach the packing nut. No need to remove the prop shaft from the boat.

(phathom) · (phathom) **Join Date: Jun 2013** 03-19-2014, 11:11 AM

I'm not sure about that, but while swapping out the tranny in my buddy's sunsport, we realized that there was a section of the floor behind the doghouse that was removable. This helped a lot in getting to the prop shaft. Take a look, yours might have something similar.

(MBBoss210) · (MBBoss210) **Join Date: Jan 2014** 03-19-2014, 12:36 PM

Yes Phantom, the setup is similar on my boat. I see the marking in the carpet where a floorboard can be removed. I figure that this is the way to access the packing nut, but wasn't sure and wanted to ask around before I dive in.

(boardman74) · (boardman74) **Join Date: Jul 2012** 03-19-2014, 2:12 PM

That should be it. Also if you have never adjusted the packing nut, that may be all you need. You only need to replace the packing when you can no longer adjust to get the desired drop rate(bottoms out). I'm guessing you haven't adjusted as you weren't quite sure how to get to it. I'd say there is a very good chance you just need about and 1/8-1/4 turn in on the packing nut and you'll be good.

(MBBoss210) · (MBBoss210) **Join Date: Jan 2014** 03-22-2014, 5:43 PM

Boardman74, that is a very good idea that I did not think about. I already ordered the GFO packing cause it's pretty cheap, so I might just stuff the box since I've got the stuff already. I appreciate everyone's help!