Engine dripping water (water pump?)

[rderenzy]

Hey all
I'm the one with the POS boat, that gets water in the bilge (was it water sports? night rain? crack in bottom?) sometimes

Well, I just noticed that the front of my engine, in the picture, the large spool with the belt, has a hole on the top and the bottom.
the bottom hole would drip water ever 1-3 seconds while engine was off. engine on did not seem to drip any faster
I noticed this because the oil rags in the bottom of the boat moved a little and created a cup and caught the drip perfectly - so after a good 3 hours I had a handful of water, followed it and found the hole dripping a drip ever 1-3 sec

hoping someone can enlighten me on this - how bad this is, what it means, the urgency - I'm all ears

thank you for your help

1997 4.3 merc lx gen+

 

[Scott Danforth]

You need to replace the circulating pump. The hole you have highlighted is the pump weep hole. Indicates the pump seal has failed.

About a 2 hour job

 

[rderenzy]

what damage or issue is this currently causing?
how long do I got left?

 

[Scott Danforth]

The pump has a failed seal. The bearing is on its way out. When the pump siezes, you will overheat your motor.

It could fail in an hour of run time, 20 hours if run time or 20 minutes if run time

Fix it now

 

[rderenzy]

craaaap.
im quite sure this thing was "weeping" last year.

Scott, are you from Michigan? I know some danforths from Michigan.

Can you help point me to the replacement pump? seems silly to buy a full metal casing and all, when you should be able to replace the seal or gasket, or impeller. but I'm sure that was how it was made
I would think I could fix it myself

 

[jimmbo]

Use the proper marine pump. New or rebuilt. Do you rebuild the water pump on your car? I doubt that very much. BTW don't think for a second about using an automotive pump, there are differences in materials used to cope with the marine environment.

 

[Bondo]

Can you help point me to the replacement pump? seems silly to buy a full metal casing and all, when you should be able to replace the seal or gasket, or impeller. but I'm sure that was how it was made
I would think I could fix it myself

Ayuh,.... It's all pressed together,.... Ya replace the whole unit,....

They're available right here at iboats,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

craaaap.
im quite sure this thing was "weeping" last year.

Scott, are you from Michigan? I know some danforths from Michigan.

Can you help point me to the replacement pump? seems silly to buy a full metal casing and all, when you should be able to replace the seal or gasket, or impeller. but I'm sure that was how it was made
I would think I could fix it myself

No, from the land of beer and cheese and snow 5 months of the year. Now in the land of sunshine and beaches

 

[tpenfield]

This is a minor issue right now, until the pump fails, then it will be of greater urgency. Damage = 0

You are best to get a whole new pump, unless you are really good at repairing bearings and seals.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the cost of the components to rebuild a pump is about $20 less than buying a complete new pump. and with a new pump, you dont need specialized equipment.

sort of like buying new cranks and rods vs re-furbing existing cranks and rods. often cheaper to go new.

as indicated above. marine pumps differ from their automotive cousins. Marine use brass impellers and a stainless rear cover. Automotive uses steel.

 

[rderenzy]

that is great, thank you all
​could someone be so kind as to help me find the EXACT part I need? i'm not sure where to begin, or what I need, or even how to find the exact match

secondly, how hard is the install?
​seems pretty simple(I can remove my seats and get to it with ease, and don't have to remove them at all), looking at it, I think my only trouble would be loosening and re-tightening the belt. but, is the install as simple as removing bolts, and installing and retightening the belts?

​if I could save money and do it myself that would be great, and I could have it done sooner.
​i'm not too handy ,but I do winterize my boat every year, replace the plugs, etc..

​thanks everyone, I really appreciate the responses

 

[nola mike]

i usually start by finding my merc part # at http://www.mercruiserparts.com/mercury-marine-parts-lookup-drawings. then cross reference that number at iboats. you'll want to find your manual at boatinfo.no/lib/library.html#

 

[rderenzy]

thanks nola mike
i'll start there

can I assume the "kit" is the rebuild(which I dont want)
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/wat...2c289c&gdfms=DCB093275E5E4F01ADF6150FE6335783

​compared to
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/v-6-v-8-water-circulating-pump-assy-mercury-mercruiser-46-8m0113734/

 

[Scott Danforth]

here is a 2-minute video on rebuilding a water pump. note the need for a bearing press and other equipment

https://www.powernationtv.com/two-mi...d-a-water-pump

the rebuild kit for a marine water pump is about $75

or buy a ready to bolt on pump on iboats for $87 and get the forum discount http://www.iboats.com/Circulating-Wa...xoC-kcQAvD_BwE

 

[rderenzy]

wow. that is WAY cheap
​sierra part is 87, any OEM mercruiser is 137

​could you tell me how I get the forum discount?
i'll order this from IBOATs tonight

i'll also need the lube, seal, whatever you call it for the gaskets - can you recommend a product?

 

[Scott Danforth]

No Title

on the front page of the iBoats forums, upper right hand corner.......Forum Member Discount

 

[rderenzy]

Oh nice. Thank you.

What is the Goo called that I rub on the gasket for seal?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I use RTV ultra copper on almost everything automotive. however you can also use permatex #3. I use that on everything marine.

 

[rderenzy]

scott, you are my hero. thank you for all of your help

 

[rderenzy]

Scott Danforth you ever replace one of these? I have it removed, about to install the new one -
Just wondering if I need any bolt locker, or anything to apply to the bolt threads?