Rudder Shaft Leak - Swan 40

Hi all,

I have noticed a small leak on my rudder shaft stock. Its a small leak and bearings seem fine as the rudder does not have free play.

I am not near the boat now, so I don't remeber how is the seal system. I assume it has a packing nut and I just need to change the packing material and adjust the torque of the packing nut. My question is? Anyone familiar with the system? Do you know what is the packing shaft "rope"  width. I can buy from 4mm up to 10mm.

Thank you so much,

Duarte C.

Star Swan

(40/51)

Have been looking to the forum and discovered tips from the proffessor. But still I am in doubt about the width of the seal. Lars suggests 3/16'' (5mm) but for the 48' it seems to be the 8mm one. Not sure what is mine.

Tks

Dear Duarte,

you have all info in this thread: https://www.classicswan.org/forum/post_thread.php?thread=471

Remember to buy a packing WITHOUT graphite, and if possibly install no less than 4 threads (as described in above thread).

I would try to tighten a bit the nut before changing the packing, better (I know you are sailing alone so, not very easy) someone should be at the wheel and someone else at the shaft tightening the nut, in order not to tighten it too much. Remember Rod Stephens suggestion on the wheel !

Please let me know if something is not clear!

All best,

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

5 mm.

matteo

Thank you Matteo!

Lets see, if my boat has the quadrant to close like te 47 Ill try to just to tight. If it has like Only You with good space I will to change it. I order the speial tool 

282 TSN 50-80.

And also the 5mm shaft packing.

Will post here once I do the job.

Duarte

Star Swan

swan 40