Bravo water pump bearing rebuild

[Kevlar7r]

The bearings in my starboard water pump are failing, as evidenced by the annoying high pitch squeak. I've rebuilt the impellers before, so very familiar with the back half of the pump, but not familiar with the front half.

I can't seem to find a good manual or info online on replacing the bearings and seals. I'd like to be prepared before I open the pump.

Are the bearings and pulley pressed on the shaft, or just held in place with snap rings? Am I going to need a pulled and press to do this, or can I do it in the bilge with screw drivers and snap ring pliers?

[mmwjr]

Kev see attached link to find Merc manual for you engine

http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html

[Kevlar7r]

Well, that site barely works, but ended up finding a manual download link on this site!

Sonufab........it requires a press. Dangit.

[mmwjr]

Yep that site requires a newer computer and then some. Works well on one of my computers and not on the older ones. The files are big so they take some time to load.

I figured it was pressed on but busy working on wifes car and did not have time to look it up

[Kevlar7r]

So, im thinking, maybe I'll just buy a whole new pump.... Those suckers are gold plated!!!

[mmwjr]

What kind of prices are you finding?

[Kevlar7r]

$300 ish for factory replacement, up to $700 ish for stainless versions.

[mmwjr]

Don't recall seeing a stainless version but there is a brass replacement.

http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/p/GLM12097

[Kevlar7r]

I saw the stainless version on some performance boat site. Interesting that the brass one is cheaper than the factory one on that site. I'm going to call my local shop tomorrow. Probably just pull the pump and take it to them to rebuild.

[Kevlar7r]

Been calling around.... The labor alone is about the same as a harbor freight arbor press.... Hmmm, new tools????

[fear knot]

I did that job recently. Not all that difficult. Was not all that difficult to drive the bearings off. Heat the new bearings, I used a small propane burner like for camping and placed the bearings on sheet of metal to heat them evenly. They slid right down on the shaft without a problem. Fill with new grease and installed seals with a socket.

[Kevlar7r]

Thanks fear. I think im going to buy an arbor press anyway. Cause, A. I want one. B. I have a good excuse so the admiral will let me get one!!!

[Kevlar7r]

Well, managed to damage the pulley. I should have known to use a use a power steering pump pulley puller rather than the press. Other than that, it went well. But, the damaged pulley squeaks like crazy, so, new pulley is on order. I also replaced the circ water pump while I had things apart.

[Kevlar7r]

New pulley arrived today, so hopefully tomorrow all engines will be back up and running normally. Then its time for some scrubbing and cleaning in the engine room!

[mmwjr]

Good for you, enjoy some winter cruising

[biggerseagar]

I guess you didn't freeze also.......

[Kevlar7r]

Ha, no, stupid weathermen... It only got down to 31 degrees those nights.



Next cruise is thanksgiving weekend for the downtown Jacksonville parade of lights and fireworks show. We went last year, amazing. They shoot the fireworks from a barge only a few hundred feet away from where we'll be tied up, along with waterfall fireworks from the bridges. It's quite a spectacle.

After fixing the engines this weekend will be setting up and testing my at-home fueling set up. 2 55 gallon drums, a fuel pump, and 150' of pex tubing. It'll be the boats first time running on e-10, but at a more than 50% fuel cost reduction, I think I can absorb the 2-5% reduction in efficiency, as well as a few carb rebuilds. Especially when one of the country's largest carb rebuild facility is here in town.

[mmwjr]

First time on E-10 may result in any crud in the tank being attached by the alcholol and sucked through the sytem. Instead of counting on carb rebuilds why not change the fuel filter every month for a year?

[Kevlar7r]

Mike, I plan on doing that as well. Maybe not every month, but we'll see how it goes.

On that same thread, I think I already have some water in my starboard tank. I want to replace the deck plate o rings, but I can't seem to find specs for them. Going to pull one and try to match it up, but if someone has the measurements, that might help everyone.

[mmwjr]

Sorry I do not recall the size of the o-ring I just took it and matched it up.