Removing a raw water pump

[scuttlebooty]

I have a small leak (5 drops a minute) at my water pump">raw water pump originating from where the pump meets the engine, so I'm guessing a seal is going bad or has gone bad. The engine is a Beta 14, and it's a Jabsco pump with triangular face plate.

I'd like to remove the pump to inspect all the seals, but can't seem to find a guide on the subject. Are there any special considerations to take into mind while doing this job (e.g. will I get covered in oil when the pump and shaft are pulled)?

[wingless]

Follow the manual instructions, page 57.

My preference is to use white lithium grease on the impeller prior to installation.

My practice is to orient the blades the way they normally fold during operation at installation.

Detach the pump from the engine. There won't be oil dumping out.

Have a set of split ring pliers for the snap rings and a puller for the seal. I've modified a bearing puller to work w/ these small seals.

[scuttlebooty]

The manual doesn't deal with the pump removal, just impeller replacement. I suppose I'll just have to take it step by step and post if I get stuck on something.

[wingless]

Right.

It looks like the pump is bolted onto the cover and probably driven by the camshaft.

[Mlp48]

I'll speculate that a water leak is to do with the pump and its seals. If the pump is engine and cam-driven and there's an oil leak -- that's likely the gasket failing between block and pump. I could not find a good picture of the pump and what appears to be a very well done manual.

[MarkSF]

"My preference is to use white lithium grease on the impeller prior to installation."

So you're pumping grease into the water? If you used a biodegradable dish soap, that would be a bit kinder to the environment.


I concluded a long time ago that it's a good idea to have at least two raw water pumps. When one is down with a leak, install the other and keep cruising. Fix the leak and keep as a spare.

[oleman]

We run a 71 series detroit diesel. The raw water pump is a Jabsco. last time the main pump got replaced the impeller in the spare was all weather rotted from years of on shelf storage. PM is required for all spares!!

[scuttlebooty]

Just wanted to provide an update and thank everyone for the help.

I pulled the pump without any drama, and sourced a lip seal from here in Panama without too much trouble. One of the lip seals I bought had a non-stainless ring in it, and the other a stainless (I was told at the time they were both stainless).

In any case, I only replaced the front facing lipseal, as that's the one that is leaking. Put it all back together, ran the engine, and there are no drips! Easy peasy.

The two photos show the new lipseal installed, and the old one removed, respectively.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

"My preference is to use white lithium grease on the impeller prior to installation."

So you're pumping grease into the water? If you used a biodegradable dish soap, that would be a bit kinder to the environment.


I concluded a long time ago that it's a good idea to have at least two raw water pumps. When one is down with a leak, install the other and keep cruising. Fix the leak and keep as a spare.

The major component of lithium grease is soap, yes there is oil in there, but your likely putting way more oil in the water just running the engine.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_soap

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by scuttlebooty

......... One of the lip seals I bought had a non-stainless ring in it, and the other a stainless (I was told at the time they were both stainless).

.......

If necessary, you can remove the non-stainless spring and replace it with a suitably sized O ring.