water pump interchance question

[workaholic]

Hi again all!

As some of you might remember i posted a few question regarding engine swap. I HAD a 1966 283ci engine with an old stringer outdrive....

For a winter project I purchased a fully rebuilt 1978 350. I wanted to eliminate the old log style manifolds and install the "center rise" style because I want to do a thru-hull out the back and cap off the inlets on the middle drive unit.... Next winter I will be swapping out the stringer outdrive unit for a newer style...

My next question is regarding the water pump... I was originally going to just remove the old one from my 283 and install it on my new 350.. But I am a little leary about installing an old pump on a new engine, am I being paranoid?... If I were to get a new one, I should be looking for a "marine" pump, correct? for the brass impeller, correct? Also, when looking at the many different pumps on this website, what are the differences between mercruiser, omc, volvo, etc etc.. Is it just mounting holes that are different? or are the lengths and depths different too? Are the marine pumps same as the automotive for shaft lenth (short style or long style)

Thanks
Eric

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: water pump interchance question

if the 283 pump isn't/wasn't leaking, just pop the rear cover off it and have a look at the impeller. spinning it by hand will give you an idea of bearing condition.
It's probably fine if always in fresh water. you can get a new gasket for that cover for around $4 and maybe another $3 for the 2 mounting gaskets at any autoparts store.
Mercruiser, OMC, VP all used the same GM marine pump until the 1990's when serpentine belt systems started showing up.