Water Pump Questions

[greg82255]

This may be a dumb question, but when people say that a water pump should be replaced/rebuilt every 2 years, is it the impeller in the outdrive, the circulating pump on the motor, or both?
I just bought a 1986 Formula with a 350/Alpha One, and the guy I bought it from said it needs a new circulating pump on the motor. I figured I should probably do that and the outdrive impeller, but I can't seem to find any rebuild kits for the pump on the motor, all I can find is a completely new unit for something like $72 at wholesalemarine.com. I have no problem finding a rebuild kit for the drive though. Where can I get one of these rebuild kits? Also, is the outdrive impeller doable on my own? I've done work on the engine, but never touched an outdrive..

 

[tractoman]

Re: Water Pump Questions

The impeller is the every couple year replacement part. The engine circulating pump is not a scheduled maintenance item. What is it wrong that it needs a new circ. pump? The impeller is pretty easy if you have the merc manual and follow the instructions. It is not hard, just take your time and be thorough.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Water Pump Questions

You cant rebuild the main circulating pump. If it needs replaced you need to buy a new or rebuilt one.
The impeller is one that needs replaced every couple years. It takes about 30 mins once you have done one. Read the manual and follow it, you will have it done in no time.
If you have not had it replaced since you owned it, bet the whole pump and housing the first time. Then the next time you can just do the impeller if the housing is still good.

 

[GLENN M]

Re: Water Pump Questions

when water pump on engine is gone it will be leaking water.you will be able to see it running down front of motor,changing leg pump is relativley easy job.if you look through old posts you will find links to almost any engine outdrive combo goodluck.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Water Pump Questions

Thanks for the help. The guy I bought the boat from always had it dealer serviced and didn't know much about boats/motors, so its more than likely he really meant the outdrive impeller. He said the boat gets a little hot after idling for a long time, but otherwise is fine. I test drove it before I bought it and didn't notice any abnormal temperature increase (probably because I only drove it for 10 minutes and it was ~35 degrees). I figure I'll just do the impeller as standard maintenance and go from there.