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

Initial seating of packing often results in excessive friction. Loosening the gland nuts allows the packing to expand and seat properly under thermal load. Retightening while the pump is running ensures a controlled, minimal leakage rate, which is essential for cooling and lubricating the shaft sleeve, preventing overheating and scoring.