Can I do my own waterpump?

[Noltz]

2 Quick questions;

How often do you need to swap out the water pump impeller on an outboard?
What other materials, besides the pump impeller itself, is required to do the job?

Automotive mechanic friend of mine is pulling the carbs off my '86 40 Johnson to put rebuild kits in. He suggested while it's there we do any other service that's due. The water pump and lower end oil has been in there at least 8 years and last time out I don't remember seeing a good flow of water coming from anywhere.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

Thats a loaded question. Since its been 8 years, I would at least change out the impeller and the rubber ring under the housing. You will probably tear the ring when you remove the housing anyway. Assuming the plate gaskets are OK, that may be all you need. To be absolutely sure, you MAY want to look at a Water Pump Kit which will include everything you need so there is no surprises when you break it down.

Lower unit oil is a no-brainer. Pop the lower unit screws and let the fluid drain completely out. You will need a quart of premium Outboard Lower Unit fluid and a couple of filler screw gaskets.

 

[Noltz]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

Makes sense. I have to order the carb kits anyway so I'll see what the local price is on a whole water pump kit while I'm there. It doesn't make sense to risk an engine over $100. It's like the belts in your car - change them now, and enjoy the peace of mind

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

...and lower end oil has been in there at least 8 years...

Most people will tell you to change the gearcase oil yearly. I like to do it in the fall before the temperature has a chance to get much below freezing so I can get any water out of the gearcase (and fix the seals if need be) to avoid more serious damage.

Also, the manuals for my engines (I'm guessing yours is going to be similar to the 3 OMC outboards I've owned so far) calls for a couple of different adhesives, those can be obtained from any OMC dealer. One of them ("Adhesive M" as I recall) wasn't available when I was buying supplies so the shop manager told me that bellows adhesive would work (and indeed it does).

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

Noltx,
The Water Pump Kit will probably include a new housing and all the seals needed. I hate buying things I don't necessarily need as well, but since you are breaking it down anyway, might as well do it right and start from scratch. This way, at least you know what you got. Might save you a frantic search on a Sunday when everything is closed.....that would be my luck!!

 

[james__12345]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

One of them ("Adhesive M" as I recall) wasn't available when I was buying supplies so the shop manager told me that bellows adhesive would work (and indeed it does).

Adhesive M is now known as Scotch grip 847 and it is available under than name. I just bought some a month or two ago.

 

[Noltz]

Re: Can I do my own waterpump?

I'll speak with my tech and make sure we're using appropriate sealants. I appreciate the tips!