Repacking a pump

[sigma]

When installing a new packing, do you initially lubricate a sleeve, and if yes, what do you use?
I know that normally packing is lubricated and cooled by water but before gland is slowly tightened to the right tension, you need a wet suit. If you don’t want to get wet during a pump startup, you start with some tension on a gland but then there is a risk of burning a packing and scoring a sleeve. This is why I am asking about lubricating a sleeve.

[snipe70e]

I hate teflon packing. give me good old 187 I.

Never lubed packing before.

[Randy S.]

If the packing is properly installed, and you roll the shaft by hand while gently tightening, you won't need a rain suit. Individual pieces, cut so the ends perfectly butt together when installed.

I have also seen over tightening eventually break the shaft. That was from a tech who couldn't accept a drip. A properly installed stuffing box packing will drip.

[MuddBuddha]

Soap or Silglide.

[flange]

There are different procedures on different pumps, but typically no. Some pumps require a certain drip rate to cool the packing. Years ago, I installed three high temp hot water pumps that pushed 350 degree f water. They required x amount of drips per minute. They had to be adjusted with the pumps first at ambient temp, then after they reached the service temp. Had to make a shrowd to keep from getting burned.

[sigma]

If the packing is properly installed, and you roll the shaft by hand while gently tightening, you won't need a rain suit. Individual pieces, cut so the ends perfectly butt together when installed.

I have also seen over tightening eventually break the shaft. That was from a tech who couldn't accept a drip. A properly installed stuffing box packing will drip.




Randy, I appreciate your input , just can not believe that over tightening a packing gland can break a shaft.
What diameter of the shaft are you talking about?

[sigma]

Here is a link to the page instructing how to pack a pump. They say in paragraph 4 about lubricating packing rings, but they don't say with what.

http://www.dracomech.com/comppack/pumpinstall.htm