Stern Gland

[John Pownall]

I have not had to adjst the stern gland on my 42 in four years and about 250 hour of engine use.There is no leakage whatsoever although I am told they should in fact drip a little.The bronze casting is greening as if there is some corrosion.I have tried splitting the two large nuts simply in case any adjustment should prove to be needed in future.They appear to be seized. Obviously things are O.K.at the moment but am I heading for trouble?

[Jim Bohart]

use a good penetrating oil and let it soak in for a day then try to free the parts again. If you grease them they shouldn't seize up again. Its bronze and they do oxidize sightly thats the green color you see, it's not really much of a problem and can be cleaned periodically.JB