Hello all, first let me start by saying that this is an amazing forum, I have found a TON of useful information on here and hope that I can contribute some myself. (I've been in auto restoration for over 25 years so lets just say I am mechanically inclined). This post will probably be a little long winded, but I am new here so no one has any background information on me to know what I am talking about, so I will apologize for that now.
Now to my question. I want to modernize the fresh water pump system. I just bought this boat, and it has been sitting for over 10 years. As I was going through it (I started with rubber parts first) I took the water pump out to change the impeller. However, I noticed that the impeller and shaft were removed by the previous owner at some point, my guess is that they were going to replace it. So, all I have is an empty case with no shaft or anything (thankfully I didn't hook up water to it before I started going through it).
I have looked all over the internet, and asked all the boat shops around here, and the only way to replace it is with a complete kit running around $300. Before I shell out the money and go with the stock setup, I was wondering if anyone on here is modified the pump system and put on something more modern and cost effective. Maybe a pulley setup or electric pump? (not really thrilled about the electric pump idea, seems like mechanical would be more reliable).
I also don't like the idea of having high pressure water separated from my oil by no more than a little gasket. I was thinking about making a simple block off plate like you would do when swapping out a fuel pump to go electric, to seal up the cover, then using a newer pulley style pump instead. I can fabricate just about anything, so if anyone has done this before, please chime in. Also, if this can be done, does anyone have any suggestions about which pump I should use that is easy to get parts for and pretty common at the boat shops?
Thanks for all your help in advance.
Now to my question. I want to modernize the fresh water pump system. I just bought this boat, and it has been sitting for over 10 years. As I was going through it (I started with rubber parts first) I took the water pump out to change the impeller. However, I noticed that the impeller and shaft were removed by the previous owner at some point, my guess is that they were going to replace it. So, all I have is an empty case with no shaft or anything (thankfully I didn't hook up water to it before I started going through it).
I have looked all over the internet, and asked all the boat shops around here, and the only way to replace it is with a complete kit running around $300. Before I shell out the money and go with the stock setup, I was wondering if anyone on here is modified the pump system and put on something more modern and cost effective. Maybe a pulley setup or electric pump? (not really thrilled about the electric pump idea, seems like mechanical would be more reliable).
I also don't like the idea of having high pressure water separated from my oil by no more than a little gasket. I was thinking about making a simple block off plate like you would do when swapping out a fuel pump to go electric, to seal up the cover, then using a newer pulley style pump instead. I can fabricate just about anything, so if anyone has done this before, please chime in. Also, if this can be done, does anyone have any suggestions about which pump I should use that is easy to get parts for and pretty common at the boat shops?
Thanks for all your help in advance.
