How to pack grease in the stuffing tube?

[Kez]

I have always used a Teflon lined stuffing tube but have decided to try an unlined brass tube in my new project.

Because it is a plain K&S brass tube, I would like to make sure the cable and stuffing tube is well greased. I have problem doing this though. If I grease the cable/w stub shaft, most of the grease will be scrapped off when the cable is inserted into the strut bearings. I tried using a syringe to pump grease into the stuffing tube but most of the grease will come out of the other end when the cable is inserted into the strut.

How do you guys do it?

Thanks,

Kez

 

[ScottVanSlooten]

If you want to put it in the tube then put your finger over the end of the tube by the motor and then push the cable in . Scott

 

[Preston_Hall]

Pull the shaft out. Grease it and put it back. Whatever comes off is fine. Grease is thick and you can actually have too much. Don't even try to pack the tube.

 

[tracerbob]

I put a thin coat on the cable, then I put the end of the tube (the grease I use comes in a tube) against the end of the strut and I sqeeze a bit into it.

 

[nitrotoys]

Like the others said, Pull out cable, put a light coat on it and put it back in,

if you do this after each run, a light coat is fine.

It dont take long to grease it up.

Make sure you clean any grease off the collet end so it dont slip.

Tom

 

[Kez]

Thanks Guys for your replies.

I thought with a plain brass tube for a stuffing box, I need to pack it full of grease. So now I know it isn't necessary.

Regards,

Kez

 

[dave roach]

Hi Kez

Make a coller to fit the stuffing tube a put a pressure fitting in it with a piece of fuel tubing and this way you can oil your cable with 90 weight an stp.This is the set up I have on my hydro and it works like a auto oiler this way you do"nt have to remove the cable after every couple runs. Mix 50/50 on lube.

 

[Watercadet]

Along the same lines... how much biger of an I.D. do you run then the shaft O.D.?

Say 1/8 (.130) shaft?

 

[Mark]

If you jam as much grease in as you can it just spews out the tube as soon as you start the engine anyway. The flex shaft works like a drill bit, it pushes out any foreign matter that will fit in the grooves on the flex shaft.

 

[P THOMAS]

Along the same lines... how much biger of an I.D. do you run then the shaft O.D.?Say 1/8 (.130) shaft?

usually you can run two sizes larger brass tube than the shaft. 1/8 shaft, 7/32tube, you may be able to use 5/32 tube with that smaller shaft.

 

[Preston_Hall]

I would not suggest forcing any amount of grease onto the shaft. Wipe it on with your fingers and whatever comes off during insertion is fine. This will be enough lube to run 4 to 6 heats of racing with no problem.

I have personally seen where excessive grease (lube) hindered the performance of the boat. On a .21 it would actually prevent the boat from launching. It takes very little lube to provide sufficient lubrication.

 

[Watercadet]

usually you can run two sizes larger brass tube than the shaft. 1/8 shaft, 7/32tube, you may be able to use 5/32 tube with that smaller shaft.

Thanks Mr. Thomas, Perfect!

Adam