Universal m-18 - bearing issue? - help!!

Aug 16, 2023
2
newport 28 new haven CT
Would really appreciate some help!

Engine started making squeeling sound underway.

I removed belt and ran engine, no squeal.

Put belt back on and tightened, and engine won’t turn.

Turns out the top pulley is not spinning freely. Maybe the bearing? I removed the cover, but don’t know how to get to bearing to replace. If I remove cover assembly will it let in water / oil?
 

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Nov 6, 2006
10,085
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
That is the engine coolant pump. It has engine coolant/antifreeze in it.. when you open it to replace the unit, coolant will come out.. These are usually replaced as a unit because they have a mechanical seal as well as bearings.. The bearings most likely failed because the seal failed..
I am no very familiar with that engine but some of the other members should comment.. The part is this, I think:
300203 Sailboat Supplies, Engine Parts and Boat Parts
But verify before ordering..
This part may be available from a KUBOTA tractor parts guy at a better price, since I think that is a Kubota block that Universal marinized..
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,371
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
@kloudie1 stated everything I was going to say and more. Drain your coolant system before swapping the pump and put new coolant mix in afterwards
 
Jun 11, 2004
1,760
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
That is the engine coolant pump. It has engine coolant/antifreeze in it.. when you open it to replace the unit, coolant will come out.. These are usually replaced as a unit because they have a mechanical seal as well as bearings.. The bearings most likely failed because the seal failed..
I am no very familiar with that engine but some of the other members should comment.. The part is this, I think:
300203 Sailboat Supplies, Engine Parts and Boat Parts
But verify before ordering..
This part may be available from a KUBOTA tractor parts guy at a better price, since I think that is a Kubota block that Universal marinized..
$426. Yikes!

I replaced the one on my M-18 in 2014 with one from Kumar Brothers for $60. The M-18 is a marinized Kubota Z-600. As kloudie said you should be able to find one for much less money that an OEM part from TOAD.

This would probably work:
 
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