Question 127Motor Plants - QMED

The correct answer is C) Ensure that the stuffing box packing gland is taken up just enough so that the leakoff rate is a periodic drip. This is the correct answer because the proper maintenance of a water-lubricated stern tube bearing requires a small, controlled amount of leakage to ensure adequate lubrication and cooling of the bearing. A periodic drip from the stuffing box packing gland indicates that the packing is providing the necessary amount of leakoff to keep the bearing properly lubricated while underway. The other options are incorrect because A) having the packing gland too loose would allow excessive leakage, B) having the packing gland too tight would prevent any leakage and lead to overheating of the bearing, and D) a steady stream of leakage would indicate the packing gland is too loose and not providing the proper control of the lubrication.