[C320-list] Packing gland

[Jeffrey Brown via C320-list]

The packing and the locking bolt in the shaft won’t come apart. Any suggestions besides penetrating oil? Wondering if heating it up with a torch is a good idea? Probably not but curious?

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

[Joe Grande via C320-list]

While tight, I have always had success breaking the hex nut loose. Use a good lubricant to soak the threads. A rubber mallet applied to the nut should work.


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From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jeffrey Brown via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2025 4:54:42 PM
To: Catalina C320 List List <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: Jeffrey Brown <ocean...@mac.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Packing gland

[Michael Stumpfoll via C320-list]

Leverage. Slip a section of pipe over both wrench handles. Use good fitting wrenches, no pliers.
If there is water in the tube and joint, heat will be absorbed and won’t allow the metal to get hot.

On Dec 20, 2025, at 7:55 PM, Jeffrey Brown via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

The packing and the locking bolt in the shaft won’t come apart. Any suggestions besides penetrating oil? Wondering if heating it up with a torch is a good idea? Probably not but curious?

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

I've found that good wrenches are the key. I purchased some non-adjustable ones that fit exactly: https://www.mcmaster.com/5414A35/. You need two. A bit of tapping with a hammer on the wrenches helps as well.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Not sure what you are using as tools Jeff.  I bought 2 large adjustable wrenches (15 inch?) for this from Harbor Freight that work well. They open just enough to grab the nuts. 
However, sometimes it seems like the nuts won't break apart. You have to be very careful about placement of the wrenches on the nuts,  especially since the lock nut is very thin compared to the much bigger nut that contains the packing. If misplaced, the wrench on the thin lock nut can also span onto the big nut ..... obviously that won't work. Also, it is just awkward to work on this for my 74 year-old body..... which makes this activity tough getting into a good position to get good tension on the nuts.
I have never resorted to heating or needed penetrating oil. 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32
Holland MI 
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM, Joe Grande via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: While tight, I have always had success breaking the hex nut loose. Use a good lubricant to soak the threads. A rubber mallet applied to the nut should work.

[Jeffrey Brown via C320-list]

Thanks Dave and the others for the great advice. The penetrating oil did the trick, along with the adjustable wrenches but we are going to buy the set of wrenches from catalina direct that are a perfect fit for the future. I think that is a must, adjustable wrenches will eventually lead to stripping the nuts I think.
Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

> On Dec 22, 2025, at 4:20 PM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Not sure what you are using as tools Jeff. I bought 2 large adjustable wrenches (15 inch?) for this from Harbor Freight that work well. They open just enough to grab the nuts.