can anyone suggest any tips to make installing v packers in a 32xl schwing easier, last time i changed them couple yrs ago they were a nightmare to install , they were just so hard in material to flex to push in, any tips on how to soften them up would be great .

did you call the Free Mechanic? the link is on the top right.

yes todd i emailed

There is no trick to it. What it needs is to be clean, like operating room clean. Before you actually remove any of the old packing CLEAN THE SHAFT. A fine file gently around the circumfrence, and with the 'cut' of the file. (a file only works one way, dragging it the opposite way just dulls the file) You are trying to remove any burrs from the shaft. NOT remove chrome. Once that is done - cleaned with solvent and oiled remove the packing gland and begin to remove the chevrons. A small sharp pick or small wood screw are good removal tools. Notice the outside diameter where it is tapered to ease the fitting of the seals as they go in. Clean this VERY WELL before you remove all of the old packing. Cleanliness is next to pumpliness. Make sure it is clean and then clean it again. Going back together AFTER you are sure all the old packing is out is just a matter of taking your time. I used to have a set of very small - dull screwdrivers that I used to coax the OD into the small diameter of the gland. Use oil, be comfortable, have good lighting, take your time, put everything back the way it came out. A good idea is to compare what you took out with what you are going to put in, they should be the same. Schwing is very good about sending the correct parts; check any way. Patience is not a virtue, it is a necessity. Have fun ;~)

yeh your right about measuring the pack speedy, cause they vary in length of pack. i got a memo off schwing about spacings etc.. for varying length packs

but i just want to know how to soften those seals to bed them on the shaft cause they have little if any flex

drop each one into some boiling water for a bit before assembly

The problem we had with them was air behind the packing. i had a little hook that i moved the packing to the side with and let the air out. it made a huge difference.

Ditto on Bob's advice. But a cool trick on their removal is to use a "blow gun" and if needed use you pick to allow some air to get behind them. Works great but like always-wear those safety glasses!

when you say blow gun , do you mean like compressed air ?