water pump

[gtashie]

1998 Suzuki 200hp - Does the water pump really need to be changed every year? I didnt have it done last year and it worked fine. Still on land this year but thru testing the water flow is very strong. Finding a mechanic this time of year is harder than world peace. Can I do it myself? If so, any pointers or step by step guide?<br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: water pump

gtashie,<br /><br />Sure you can do it yourself. I wouldn't though, without a manual.

 

[Boatist]

Re: water pump

Gtashie<br />Most people will tell you need to be replaced every two years. To me makes no more since than replacing you half shaft and shock every two years. I had a 9.5 Johnson for over 20 years and never replaced water pump or had a overheating problem. I now have a 1975 15 hp Johnson and I replaced the water pump in 1990 but it look fine, last year I converted to a long shaft motor and was going to replace the water pump but when I took it out could find no wear no crack so I put it back in. Working fine at low and high speed.<br /><br />I also have a 1980 140 OMC I/O and have replace water pump twice once about 10 years ago and again last year. Both these I had done when other work was being done but ask for the old parts. Again nothing wrong with water pump. I never start either engine without water or run in sand. I check flow when I start them and keep an eye on the temp gage.<br /><br />To me just how dealers insure they have repair business. I see more problems on here after people replace pump than before.<br /><br />I have had far more trouble with thermostats sticking in open position and motor running cool.

 

[marinetech43]

Re: water pump

Boatist, a reputable dealer is going to recommend servicing an engine according to the manufacturers recommendations. The Suzuki service manual recommends inspecting the water pump once a year on older engines and replacing the impeller every 12 months or 200 hours on newer engines. Evidently you are fortunate enough to have not had an impeller blade break and become lodged in the cooling system. This can be very expensive. Servicing a water pump is much cheaper and easier.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: water pump

No doubt the cooling system demands on a 9.5 or 15 hp Johnson are somewhat less than those on a 200hp. Don't push your luck with the big motor. Learn how to do it yourself and cost won't be the issue.

 

[DJ]

Re: water pump

gtashie,<br /><br />The water pump (impeller) is much different than a water pump in a car. The impeller is a positive displacement pump. That means that the blades of the pump have actual contact with the pump housing.<br /><br />You can wear out an impeller IN MINUTES by getting stuck in sand or dry starting (even turning over-dry) your engine.<br /><br />I too have had engines that I did not replace the pump in for many years. However, I knew exactly what conditions they had been run under and none of them were severe. That means, no silty water, no salt, no sand, no dry cranking or starting.<br /><br />Only you know what your pump has seen. Your call.<br /><br />I would bet a new powerhead for an engine such as yours is $6-8,000.00.