Abstract: A lubricated packing assembly for a reciprocating pump. The packing assembly includes a packing ring for sealingly engaging the pump plunger. A seal carrier is disposed adjacent to the packing ring. A vent zone is defined between the packing ring and a vent passage extending longitudinally through the seal carrier. The vent zone includes grooves on inner and outer surfaces of the seal carrier and a hole interconnecting the grooves. This hole is in communication with the vent passage. A lubrication passage is also provided in the seal carrier, and a seal is positioned on opposite sides of the lubrication passage. Lubricant is provided to the plunger between the seals. The lubrication passage and the vent passage are isolated from one another so that communication therebetween is prevented. In this way, leakage past the packing ring is vented without contaminating the lubricant so that pressure from the pumped fluid cannot stop lubricant flow.