Sea water pump rebuild kit

[AXEL]

Last season the seawater pump started dripping. I assume it has a weep hole similar to that on the car which indicates its time for a new pump. A new pump for the Westerbeke 21 is $420.00. They do sell a rebuild kit for $150 which sounds like a deal compared to replacing the pump. I ordered from Hansen Marine in Mass. and got the kit yesterday. It looks pretty straight forward, some snap rings, bearings, shaft, seal, impeller, new cover and gasket. Anyone here have any experience doing this job? If not I'll report back on Monday.

 

[CharlieCobra]

Be sure to close the thru hull first

Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Take a look in Calder's Boatowner's Manual for

Mechanical and Electrical Systems. He provides a good description about how to bang out the old seals with long extension sockets. Remember to reinstall with the gaskets required, hope they're in the kit! You were wise to get the rebuild kit, since its usually the seals that go and the pump body is fine. Assure that the pump face plate is not scored, if so use fine grit to flatten it out or replace it to assure good impeller operation.

 

[Bob Tigar]

rebuilding a seawater pump

You are correct a straight shot with a hammer will bang out the shaft and bearings. Getting them back in is different. 2 solutions...1. Take them to your local auto mechanic. He will press them in. It takes about 2 min and if you are a good cust he shouldn't charge.2. Do it yourself. Put the bearings in the freezer, put the pump housing in a warm oven-both for about 45 min. select a soclet that is approximately the same size as the bearing. Set the pump on a couple blocks of wood. Tap the cold bearing into the warm casing. Its physics...heat expands, cold contrasts...there is enough room created to allow for an easy job. Bob

 

[Paul F]

don't bother - send it to

If you want a rebuild that is like new and will cost about the same as rebuild parts, call first and send it to Depco Pump. Rebuilds are hard to do for the reasons given plus some. See link. Depco is very good. Did mine and then after I installed it wrong, to much tension on the belt, they redid it again for free, can't go wrong.

 

[Glenn]

Bought a new one

from Marineparts.com for $275, Sherwood G908. Not sure if this is what you have. Yes, the holes are weeps like an auto water pump. Mine was so rusted I had to get a new one.

 

[AXEL]

relatively easy job

I finished the rebuid yesterday. Yes it is a little tricky getting the bearings off & on. I would say the most valuable tool for the job was a socket wrench I had with just the right O.D. and and I.D holes to slide over the shaft and rest on the bearings so I could tap them back into the housing. The job took about 1 hour, I could have gone faster but I took my time and I had to get creative a couple of times. I tested the rebuilt pump this moring and it's working fine. Bottom line I saved about $300 DIY and leaned a little something about how the sea water pump works. Thanks to all who have replied and for your helpful tips!