Oberdorfer water leak.

[Hayden Watson]

I am replacing the hoses on my M25XP and see that I have a seawater leak from the weep hole in my Oberdorfer. The boat is an 88 and I have owned it for 21 years and it is original with paper gasket. I am thinking about checking it out to see if just a seal replacement will get it back int

 

[JoeWhite]

Yes, there is a kit available for about $ 60.00 that includes all seals needed. After replacing them I covered the shaft with lanacoat lightly to make it watertight. No leaks after 100 hours.
If you see weeping, replace seals right away so that you do not get seawater in your engine oil.
Visit Sail La Vie | 1999 Catalina 36 MK II and go to the album to see how to replace seals.

 

[DArcy]

Yes, water dripping from the weep hole means the shaft seals have gone. Leaking shaft seal can lead to water in the engine oil. Pulling those seals can be a challenge without the right tools. I jury rigged something out of some bent steel that worked.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Yes, there is a kit available for about $ 60.00 that includes all seals needed. After replacing them I covered the shaft with lanacoat lightly to make it watertight. No leaks after 100 hours.
If you see weeping, replace seals right away so that you do not get seawater in your engine oil.
Visit Sail La Vie | 1999 Catalina 36 MK II and go to the album to see how to replace seals.

Thanks Joe. on your album you show a new pump on 3/26/19 and a seal replacement on 3/30/19. Did you rebuild it to have a spare? My pump is the older non-reversable cover plate with thin-paper gasket instead of the o-ring. Did your shaft have any play in it?

 

[Stu Jackson]

@Hayden Watson , I have the same pump:

Oberdorfer Pump Rebuild 101 with pictures - http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6766.0.html

 

[JoeWhite]

Thanks Joe. on your album you show a new pump on 3/26/19 and a seal replacement on 3/30/19. Did you rebuild it to have a spare? My pump is the older non-reversable cover plate with thin-paper gasket instead of the o-ring. Did your shaft have any play in it?

There was no play on the shaft. I used lanacoat since I also use it in the stuffing box to help to cut down on water drips.
I do have 2 pumps. The dates indicates when I posted the images. I replaced and installed the same pump to test if weeping had stopped.
Haro.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Well, I tore the pump down and this is what I found. It is looking like a new pump is in my future.

 

[Sefuller]

Call Depco Pump in Florida - they can sell you a complete new pump, or parts to repair your existing pump.

 

[garymalmgren]

It is looking like a new pump is in my future.

I'm looking at a very nice paper plate with a bronze pump body , a bronze pump cover and a stainless steel shaft with impeller attached.

I am looking at bronze components that can be immersed in vinegar and come out like new.
I am looking at a shaft that can be turned up at any decent stainless workshop.
Or plasma coated and turned down to size.
So all in all I don't see any reason to outlay cash on something that can be repaired and keep someone employed.

Precision Shaft Charts - Resource Guides | Alcobra Metals

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Go for it. Repair it like our grandfathers did.
gary

 

[DArcy]

Sure, you can probably buy a new pump but unless the shaft is scored the rest looks ok.
After a rebuild at 25 years old, the scoring in the bump housing at 40 years was getting more pronounced and some corrosion on the face made it hard to seal the cover so I broke down and bought a new one. I found that I was able to buy a new pump, same Oberdorfer part number as the 1974 original, from a local shop. I figured 40 was a good age for retirement for a pump.

 

[Hayden Watson]

The shaft has bad scoring. The cover plate has ridge at the center and edge a few thousandth's deep.
After some more investigation, I can get the parts from Fisheries which delivers to my marina twice a week.
$86.00 - 11691 Repair kit (impeller, (2) gaskets, o-ring, snap ring, (2) lip seals, carbon bearing)
$61.00 - 8767 shaft
$37.80 - 6597A (cast cover plate)
$184.80 - total

I can get a whole new pump for $247.71 with free shipping from Amazon.
So now the question, is it worth $62.91 to get a new style pump with the 0-ring cover plate seal instead of the paper gaskets that I have been fighting for the last 22 years. Most times that I replace the impeller I seem to have leaks no mater what I do to seal the cover plate.

 

[Hayden Watson]

On a related issue, is there anything special about the mounting nuts for connection to the block? They are getting pretty sketchy and I want to replace them. They appear to be bronze but two came off with 3/8" wrench but the other two needed a 10mm even though they all have the same threads.

 

[DArcy]

@Hayden Watson that is the thought process I went through before replacing the entire pump. I was using a thin smear of gasket sealant when replacing the impeller to get the cover gasket to seal. It worked well but the other things added up and I decided to buy a new one.

 

[Hayden Watson]

The Admirable came in a looked over my shoulder and said "Quit stewing over it and buy a new pump!" Decision made.

 

[Hayden Watson]

So I am ordering a new seawater pump. Next question is should I paint it or leave it bare bronze? IF I paint, what steps should be taken?

 

[jssailem]

The Admirable came in a looked over my shoulder and said "Quit stewing over it

Got to love the Admirable who has a clear mind and a "Get her done" attitude.

She is probably thinking she has a Honey Do project that is more important for you.

 

[Alan Gomes]

The Admirable came in a looked over my shoulder and said "Quit stewing over it and buy a new pump!" Decision made.

Have you considered contacting Depco Pump and seeing if they can rebuild it for less than a new one? They may tell you it is too far gone but at least you'd know.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Got to love the Admirable who has a clear mind and a "Get her done" attitude.

She is probably thinking she has a Honey Do project that is more important for you.

Nope. She is too focused on getting all 18 cushions made. After that she will be making a stack pack. She just wants me to get all of my interior mechanical stuff done so I can get the boat clean enough for her new fabrics!

 

[Hayden Watson]

Have you considered contacting Depco Pump and seeing if they can rebuild it for less than a new one? They may tell you it is too far gone but at least you'd know.

A rebuild would still not solve my frustration with the paper gasket rather than the o-ring. At the price difference, it is not worth the frustration.

 

[garymalmgren]

Oh well wrong again.
When I made my smart arse suggestion I was thinking $450 -$500 for a new pump.

I can get a whole new pump for $247.71 with free shipping from Amazon.
At that price it is not worth the risk or hassle.
Take wife's advise is my advise now.

Gary