When renewing spiral packing in a centrifugal pump stuffing box, after the packing is firmly seated, the packing gland nuts should be __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — loosened, and then retightened with the pump running under normal conditions

Packing must be seated firmly, but overtightening prevents necessary leakage required for lubrication and cooling. Loosening the gland nuts and retightening them while the pump is running allows the packing to expand and seat properly under thermal and operational conditions, preventing shaft scoring and ensuring a controlled, minimal drip.