Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

[dogsdad]

I was looking over the Mercury outboard forum a while ago and noted some emphatic advice about not using certain automotive components in marine applications, such as starters and alternators. Okay, I get it...but then someone said not to use automotive water pumps in marine applications. Okay, I'll never consider it, but I still wonder why...<br /><br />I am about to do some preventive maintenance on my '98 GMC pickup w/305 Vortec, and a part of my routine is to replace all the ignition leads, spark plugs, distributor cap & rotor, PLUS the water pump, thermostat, coolant, and all the belts and hoses. So, I am wondering what's special about a marine water pump for a small block Chevy? And would there be any advantage---particularly in terms of longevity, to using a marine part instead of an automotive part? Or is it inadvisable, and if so, why? <br /><br />When it comes to a water pump, I'll spend the extra bread on a factory part as opposed to what Autozone has to offer, so I expect to pay more anyway. Don't want no rebuilt JUNK under my hood---at least not the stuff that keeps the engine alive!

 

[tommays]

Re: Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

it has SS and bronze parts to be able to stand up to saltwater <br /><br />They dont know were there going to be used so they just build everything for salt<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

I'm wondering Why you would change-out the Waterpump as a Maintanance Issue.........<br /><br />I don't think I've HAD to change a Waterpump more than 2,.. Maybe 3 times,.. On MY trucks,....In the last 30 Years.........<br />And that was only because it started to leak....<br /><br />I run trucks that are usually somewhat High mileage, When I Get them,....<br />The last 1 was retired at 280,000 miles,+ that was the only 1 I Remember changing.......<br />But,.. In 30 years,.. There Must have been another......<br /><br />Maybe My Luck is Better than I Thought...........<br /><br />And,... Tommays Right again,.... The Marine versions are Built Better with Better materials,+ seals.......

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

Marine water pumps have a different style impeller as well. Seems I used to know what the difference was but it eludes me now.<br /><br />Hmmmm? maybe the auto pump has an open face impeller and the marine has solid plates on both sides of the blades.(maybe)

 

[dogsdad]

Re: Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

Bondo, all I can say is I'd like a bit of your luck! I've had a few water pumps fail in my time, and especially the rebuilt junk you get at the discount auto parts houses. It always seemed to happan at the most inopportune time, too.<br /><br />Otherwise, I'm just a bit anal when it comes to reliability of my vehicles. I don't wanna be out in the middle of Texas when a water pump fails. Trust me, you don't wanna either! That's why I've adopted the practice of replacing them at 100,000 miles.<br /><br />I don't think it would be terribly beneficial to use a water pump that's immune to salt water, if that's the biggest difference. If the bearings and seals were of much higher quality, I might opt for that, but I'm not planning on using saltwater in my cooling system. <br /><br />edited to add: something's on the edge of my brain about pumps for different applications operating in reverse directions...but I am not sure if that's just a difference between year models on some engines, or what?? Dang, where'd I put my bottle of ginko?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Marine Parts in Automotive Applications??

I understand,....... Where I live,.... There's water in All the ditches,.. All the Time....<br />Much different than Texas.......<br /><br />I can't see Any reason not to use the OEM replacement.......<br /><br />The Reverse Flow Cooling is just for 1 of the Chevy SBC series of motors.......<br />As long as you're buying the Replacement for Your Motor,...... It's a Non-Issue.....<br /><br />There's Nothing Wrong with being Anal about Maintanance,......<br />I'm a Mechanic,+ My Truck is nothing more than a 4 1/2 Ton ToolBox..........<br />And,.... As you Know,.......<br />The Cobbler's kids have No Shoes.............. <br />And,.. I'm Guilty of Runn' her til she Sh!ts.....