Question about pump packing on the old dredge in Galveston

Used to repack the main pump every 200 hours. Did it by feel, just tightened until it felt right. Had a blowout last month that cost us a full day. Now I use a torque wrench set to 18 foot-pounds and check it every 50 hours. Anyone else have a better method for keeping that seal tight?

2 comments

2 Comments

eric_murray261d ago

I read a post about torque specs for that exact pump. They said 18 foot-pounds is good, but to check for heat on the packing gland after a run.

fisher.adam1d ago

Yeah, that's solid advice right there! I torqued mine to 18 and it ran smooth, but I still felt the gland after an hour just to be safe. Can't hurt to double-check.