Did I Fry My Raw Water Pump?

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D

Dave

Boat: 1990 Catalina 34 Engine: Universal 25XP Well here's the story. I always keep my boat ignition key on a key chain and store it on the engine raw water thru haul handle when not in use. This way I always remember to open the thru haul before starting the engine and close it when we're done. Well, the key chain broke and I didn't follow my normal practice and has you've probally guessed I ran the engine with the raw water through haul closed. I ran it at idle for a couple of minutes at which time I did hear some intermittent squealing sounds. Well during my investigation I determined the problem and immediately opened the through haul. I motored for approximately 20 minutes (exiting harbor) and continued to hear the sounds at various RPM's intermittently. We then sailed for a couple of hours, but had to motor for approximately one hour upon return due to limited wind. Well during the one hour motor to our home port the intermittent squealing was gone and everything appears to be OK! What are your thoughts? I know I probably should replace the impeller, but do you think I can wait until my annual change out? Could I have done additional damage to the pump? PS: The engine never heated above normal operating tempature (160 degtees) during the one hour trip home at cruising speeds (2600 RPM's) Thanks and I've Learned My Lesson, Dave
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,315
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
C34 RW Pump - DON'T Wait ??WHY Wait

Dave C'mon...... Unless you have a Sherwood pump, which has the screws for the cover on the backside of the pump, just undo the screws on your Oberdorfer M202-15 pump, replace the impellor, put a gasket on it (Gee, Doug, it's a real piece of boating), and go for it. Of course, you've subscribed to the related link? Stu
 
A

Alan

AND

...also check out the housing that the impeller sits in. If the walls are scored then the entire pump should be replaced.
 
S

Steve Ray

Carry a spare

Dave, had the same problem once. Engine ran fine for the next two weeks,then the steam stated shooting out the exhaust hose. quickly noticed the rise in temp. and shut the engine down. Come to find out the impeller had come apart due to the heat of running it dry for some time. I of course had a spare impeller, replaced and went on my merry way. One thing to look for, if the impeller comes apart, try and find all the pieces to the impeller. The bigger pieces usally hang at the water punp, but some can continue flowing through the water jackets of the engine and actually get stuck in the engine which in turns raises the engine temp. All sorts of fun stuff!. Like the mechanics say "see me now or see me later". Good Luck and smooth sailing.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,315
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Impeller Pieces

Steve and Dave Steve noted: The bigger pieces usally hang at the water punp, but some can continue flowing through the water jackets of the engine and actually get stuck in the engine which in turn...." I sure hope this doesn't happen. The pieces can't go into the engine beause the raw water hoses to the heat exchanger. Steve's right in that you have to find all the pieces. They better not be in the engine :) Look in the HX. Stu
 
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