'03 5.0 MPI circulation pump change

[DaleM]

I found that my circulation pump (the one that's like a car's water pump) has a bad bearing. I discovered this while changing out the impellers in the seawater pump. When I spin the pulley on the circ pump there's a sound as of a bearing is starting to go out.

Has anyone changed one out on this engine? How difficult of a task are we talking about? It seems like all you have to do is maybe move the alternator bracket and pull a few bolts and replace the gaskets.

Is it really that straight forward?

 

[DaleM]

Buhler?

 

[Nehalennia]

I have never done it on a Merc 350 but I've done it several times on older Chev trucks with 350/5.7 small blocks. Your 305 should be no different. It should be the same straight forward process. You won't have the radiator in the way like on a truck/car but you'll be wadded up in your engine bay, but it should be an easy swap.

 

[hack4alivin]

I found that my circulation pump (the one that's like a car's water pump) has a bad bearing. I discovered this while changing out the impellers in the seawater pump. When I spin the pulley on the circ pump there's a sound as of a bearing is starting to go out.

Has anyone changed one out on this engine? How difficult of a task are we talking about? It seems like all you have to do is maybe move the alternator bracket and pull a few bolts and replace the gaskets.

Is it really that straight forward?

Yea, it is just that easy… In fact I hold the flash light for you while you change it and I drink the beer….. See ya Sunday!

 

[DaleM]

Yea, it is just that easy… In fact I hold the flash light for you while you change it and I drink the beer….. See ya Sunday!

Hey I have a better idea.... how about since you are of "smaller stature" (ok at least in HEIGHT) you get down in my ER and I'll hold the light for you!?

And... as a return for your generosity I'll hand your cold beers!

BTW Todd, thanks for the info! At least there are some people here with good information!

 

[David Paul]

Its been a long time ago but I have changed a few on my Chevy small block cars over the years. You should be prepared to use thread sealer on the bolts too because if I remember correctly they go through to the cooling passages.

 

[DaleM]

Thanks David Paul - is there a specific thread sealer I should look for? Where can you get it? I'm assuming an autoparts store?

 

[DaleM]

FWIW our shop says to use a thread sealer - they specifically call out Super Seal (I think). I can't remember now. Whatever the stuff is they use they recommend it on the threads and on the gaskets. I need to ask him again.

 

[Nehalennia]

Take before, during and after pictures so we can see what you run into. I think it should be very straight forward though. Thanks

 

[DaleM]

I'll definitely do that. I have some pictures from the seawater impeller change that I'll post. Unfortunately it was really difficult to get in there to get decent pictures due to how cramped my ER is.