[C320-list] Slow Leak From SeaWater Pump

[Scott Lagerquist]

Joe, 
My advice is to see if the cover is leaking.  Each screw has to have a similar torque.  Lightly tighten each screw and then do a star pattern and tighten about a half turn each time until the screws are tight.  If that doesn’t solve the leak look at the water seal.  It’s new so unless it was damaged when installed your problem is likely the bearings.  The shaft can wobble as they go bad.  Last remaining item is the shaft.

Bearings aren’t too expensive and can be replaced with basic tools and a large C clamp.  YouTube has good videos that show the process.  

Good luck.  Hope it’s the cover.  

Scott Lagerquist
1994 Catalina 320, Hull #39
Sea Esta
San Diego CA


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 25, 2019, at 4:15 PM, mmellon <mmellon at cruzio.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Hello, Joe. I recently experienced a similar or identical problem on my 1996 boat #324, which has a Westerbeke 30b engine with a 33606 Johnson raw water pump. If the problem is not due to the impeller cover, then it is likely a seal. These pumps have two seals, one oil seal on the shaft closest to the engine, and one water seal on the shaft closer to the impeller. In my case, the water seal apparently failed.  The problem leak could also be the result of a damaged shaft.  Seals and shafts are available and also a rebuild kit that also includes the shaft and bearings, about $210. A new pump is about $480 (with supposedly improved seals).If you have a different engine,  you may have a different brand of pump (Oberdorfer, etc) but the basic design is very similar.Best regards,Mike Mellon La Vida Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Joe Geiger <joe.geiger at gmail.com> 
> Date: 07/25/2019  3:50 PM  (GMT-08:00) 
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
> Subject: [C320-list] Slow Leak From SeaWater Pump 
> 
> When I bought the boat back in October, the captain that did my survey told me he noticed a drip from the raw water pump as we were motoring. I have since replaced the impeller, the impeller cover, the seal washer that goes on the inside of the impeller, the O ring and the hose that goes from the raw water pump to the heat exchanger. I also used a silicone sealant around the O ring before tightening the impeller cover plate. It still drips. :|The pump cools the engine just fine so it’s not a pressing issue. Any ideas on what else I might replace or check?Joe--Joe Geiger“Vega” #722Greenwich Cove, RI