Gland packing replacement

401 has metallic piston gland packing which consists of 3 split white metal rings instead of packing rope. After reports of it leaking/passing, Michael and Steve dismantle the assembly to investigate and replace the packing. This picture shows the full assembly un-done including the retaining collars and spring which holds pressure onto the packing. A piece of wood packing (because of the spring) was placed between the gland and the crosshead, the nuts removed and the engine moved back to pull out the assembly

Michael begins to remove the packing

Old packing removed

Old stuff cleaned up and compared with the new packing

Fitting the new packing

With the new packing fitted and liberally coated in oil, the engine is pinched forward to re-fit the gland packing assembly

Slotted in nicely, tighten up the nuts and re-fit the oil pipe and job done