Experience - Gore GFO or GTU Packing from WPT

[tjbtiara]

I recently repacked my rudder stuffing boxes with what I thought was Gore GFO packing. However, after searching the archives and reviewing the packaging again I now realize it is actually the GTU product from Western Pacific Trading. The GTU stuff says it's made with Gore fibers but does not say how much.

I now have some concerns regarding the GTU product as it is impregnated with graphite and I thought that graphite and salt water do not mix.

Does anyone out there have experience with the GTU product? I'm debating removing the GTU from the rudder stuffing boxes and replacing it with the Gore GFO packing but don't want to waste the money if others have had good experience with the GTU packing.

I have not yet repacked the shaft boxes, this weeks project, but I'm thinking on ordering the GFO product for that use. Any opinions on the GFO packing would also be appreciated.

 

[Gregory S]

GFO is also impregnated with graphite. Gore claims the U.S. Navy is using GFO for packing now. They don't do much fresh water "boating".

 

[JoeBTB]

I haven't tried the GTU, but I can tell you that it looks identical to the GFO that I used. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[tjbtiara]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll leave the rudder stuffing boxes as is and try GFO on the shaft stuffing boxes.