Volvo/OMC Raw Water Pump Repair/Replacement

Horigan

Horigan

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My '95 OMC/Volvo raw water pump (3858847) is leaking a bit from the shaft seal. I can address via an aftermarket seal kit, aftermarket water pump, or an OE water pump. What's the team's consensus on the best way to address? Are the seal kits sufficient quality for a good repair?
 
ESGWheel

ESGWheel

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Aug 29, 2015
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Unsure if you will get a consensus. My recommendation due to the age is get a new pump. While a seal kit may do the trick the 30-year pump may be worn in its shaft, chamber, etc, such that even with a new seal kit it will still leak. This post by @Scott Danforth (link) may lead you to an OEM pump but at less than OEM prices.
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Dave, the choice is yours on new pump or rebuild kit
 
Horigan

Horigan

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ESGWheel said:
Unsure if you will get a consensus. My recommendation due to the age is get a new pump. While a seal kit may do the trick the 30-year pump may be worn in its shaft, chamber, etc, such that even with a new seal kit it will still leak. This post by @Scott Danforth (link) may lead you to an OEM pump but at less than OEM prices.
Click to expand...
Good point about the age and wear. Sadly, it doesn't appear that Johnson makes my style pump, shown below.

81EaTcV2X4L._AC_SX679_.jpg
 
Horigan

Horigan

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Thanks. Surprisingly, more expensive than OE for this model.
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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itt jabsco is the third vendor for raw water pumps.
 
D

Donald0039

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Jun 11, 2022
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You can pull the old pump. Then pull the seal and look and see if the shaft is worn where the shaft seal seals the pump. If there is no grove then just replace the seal being careful not to tear it.

Also check the bearing. The shaft should turn smoothly without any stiffness or bearing noise.
 
Horigan

Horigan

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I wouldn’t want the paint to flake off and get into my cooling system, like on fuel pumps. ;)
My boat’s an OMC, so I’m good on natural brass, (bronze?).
 
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