Universal M18 freshwater pump

[eastendsailor]

On CF for years, first time with a question.



While motoring out the inlet yesterday, there was a sudden, loud screech from below. I quickly handed off the helm and jumped below to see the belt turning, but the freshwater pump pulley not turning. Killed engine immediately. Temp had soared -- pinned at 220. Until then, everything seemed normal. Water out exhaust, etc. I checked the raw water impeller today, and it's fine (Sherwood pump). Like new. Changed last season. Less than 100hrs, more like fifty or less.



The pump available from Hansen Marine in Marblehead is pricey -- approx US$400. However, the M18 is Kubota Z500 tractor engine. The same part is available on line for US$35. Of course, it's made in China.



So, my question is whether it makes sense to get the cheapo part? My thought in favor is that it's the freshwater side of system. No saltwater. My understanding is that if the pump will be exposed to raw water, then stainless steel impeller (marinized) is absolutely necessary. But since it's the freshwater side and only pumps coolant/antifreeze, a non-stainless impeller would be fine ...


Would appreciate thoughts and opinions (neither is ever in short supply on CF!) ...

[Pete7]

You could replace that pump with the Chinese one every year for a decade and still be $$ in.

Pete

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by eastendsailor

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The pump available from Hansen Marine in Marblehead is pricey -- approx US$400. However, the M18 is Kubota Z500 tractor engine. The same part is available on line for US$35. Of course, it's made in China. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Would appreciate thoughts and opinions (neither is ever in short supply on CF!) ...

There is a third option: buy it from a Kubota tractor dealer. I have an M25 engine and I know the tractor model and engine model numbers of my engine.


You can find out what yours is if you don't already know by Googling Kubota equivalents and finding out, then buy it from a Kubota dealer.


Good luck.

[Lepke]

Most engine parts are made in China, regardless of the brand on the box.

[luckychucky]

I found my local Kubota dealer the best source for Universal parts. I orderered a new pump for the M40 at small fraction of Westerbeke"s cost. The pump came in without a gasket but they happened to have it on the shelf.

[capt jgw]

The M18 is, I think, the Z600 engine, which is used in the Kubota B6000 compact tractor. The 5411/ M15 is the Z500. I have one of those so I'm certain on that. The M15 actually doesn't have a fresh water pump as it's sea water cooled and doesn't need one. So whether you get the pump from Kubota or a knock off, make sure you get the right one. Of course it helps to have the old one in your hand to compare. If you go to a Kubota parts dealer, tell them it's for a B6000. Do not mention Universal, part of Universals deal with Kubota forbids Kube from selling parts for Universal engines. If you buy from a Westerbeke/Universal dealer, you will get a Kubota part in a very expensive Westerbeke box, usually 10:1. The cheaper internet parts probably are not really Kubota, but may be just as good. You won't know until you try. I've bought several parts online from Kumar Bros and they've been fine.

[eastendsailor]

Thanks, everyone! I know the dipstick IDs the block. Thought it was Z500, but could well be 600. I'll recheck. There are a few Kubota places in my general vicinity, so will make some calls tomorrow.

[mikeo16]

I bought a genuine Kubota water pump for my model 25 Universal from a Kubota tractor supply. I paid $117 versus Westerbeke wanted $338 for the identical part. I could have bought a water pump that was not a genuine Kubota for about $50, but I just felt more comfortable with genuine parts.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by eastendsailor

Thanks, everyone! I know the dipstick IDs the block. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Except they don't, it's an urban myth, get over it!


https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,....html#msg81309


It stated that the engine model was stamped on the dipstick. I forgot to confirm this when I winterized earlier this month. Perhaps someone still using their boats this winter can check for us.
Went and checked our M-35B motor this morning.... The block has V-1305 cast on the starboard side and the number on the dipstick is 16224-36411...
I checked my dipstick and its number is also 16224-36411. So either I bought John Sheehan's boat, or the number cast onto the dipstick is a part number. My betting money is on the latter.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Lepke

Most engine parts are made in China, regardless of the brand on the box.

Particularly replacement parts. Even many big brand name parts that we grew up with are now manufactured in China.
Timken bearings for example.

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Except they don't, it's an urban myth, get over it! [emoji2][emoji2][emoji2]


https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,....html#msg81309


It stated that the engine model was stamped on the dipstick. I forgot to confirm this when I winterized earlier this month. Perhaps someone still using their boats this winter can check for us.
Went and checked our M-35B motor this morning.... The block has V-1305 cast on the starboard side and the number on the dipstick is 16224-36411...
I checked my dipstick and its number is also 16224-36411. So either I bought John Sheehan's boat, or the number cast onto the dipstick is a part number. My betting money is on the latter.

The model number is stamped on the dipstick in my Z500/5411/M15, it says "Z-500". Maybe not on the other models though. Actually I think many parts are shared between models so that would only work on a unique part, so must be the dipstick for the Z500 is unique. Universal was really clever in hiding the Kubota markings stamped into the blocks. They're there someplace but filled with paint and well hidden.

[Tsuru]

Originally Posted by Lepke

Most engine parts are made in China, regardless of the brand on the box.

The attached photo is random spares for our Universal M35B.
Universal Oil Filter - Made in USA.
Kubota Fuel Filter - Made in USA
Kubota Fresh Water pump - Made in Japan
These parts are not the cheapest but they represent a good value (IMHO).

[stormalong]

After you replace the pump rebuild the old one and keep it for the next time. The next time may be a decade or more away but the rule is that if you carry a spare the one in use won't fail.