Water pump shaft seal

[David Revill]

I have a Universal 5411 diesel with a Sherwood water pump. The shaft seal leaks for the first minute or so when I first start the engine and then stops. Is this a common problem. I assume I need to change the seal sooner rather than later.Any advice appreciated.Thanks.

 

[Tim Dranttel]

Water Pump

Dave,I had the same problem with my pump except mine dripped the entire time the motor was running. As you probably know you have a water seal and an oil seal. The pump is designed with a weep hole to alert you when the water seal begins to leak. The problem is you do not know the condition of the oil seal and you could (according to Torresen Marine) end up contaminating your oil. Torresen Marine sells a rebuild kit with all the seals and a new impellor. I forget how much it costs. I rebuilt the old sherwood pump as a spare (fairly straight forward) and bought and installed a new orberdorfer pump (lots of money) but now I have a spare just in case (what I don't know but I've been told it is a good idea). Bottom line is I would recommend replacing all the seals soon and don't forget to order the gasket for the engine/pump joint and one for the pump cover plate. Tim

 

[David Revill]

Good advice

Tim,Good advice - thanks. The leak is significant and the water comes out of the weep holes that you mention. I was not aware of the potential problem of contaminating the oil. I will fix it right away.Dave.

 

[Tom Soko]

Another Source

Another source of pumps and pump parts at a very reasonable price is DEPCO Pump Co. (800-445-1656). Ask for the marine dept. They also have a good website, but I can't remember the address. sorry. Some of the Sherwood pumps have been discontinued and replaced with Oberdorfer. Make sure that you replace the seals the right way. I bought a NEW pump a few years ago and the seals were installed backwards. They started leaking after only a year or so. Also check the shaft to make sure it's not scored (rings worn into it). If it is, order a new one. The seals are installed so that the "cup" side faces the fluid (oil or water). the cup side is the one that you can see the little SS spring inside. the other side has the part number on it. Good luck.Tom.

 

[Steve W.]

save yourself some grief....

buy a new pump and rebuild the old. I paid $125 for a new pump from DEPCO for my M18 Universal. By the time you wait for the new parts, install them, still have a leak, order a new shaft, screw up the new seals and order two more, you will have wasted 3 weeks of sailing time and and the price of a new pump will look like the deal of the century...I learned the hard way. Good Luck