How do you get to bilge pump??

Par for the course for a SR design on a boat this size. That hi water pump (actually the float switch) was dead for years until the manifold job became necessary. The other two worked fine so it wasn't imperitive. But yeah, even with no exhaust system, it was not a pleasant experience.

Hey, a stuffed animal to anyone who can spot what is drastically wrong with that starboard engine in the picture! ;-)
 
Ron,

At least you can see your bilge pump. Even if I remove pieces and parts I can't see mine. Unless, of course, I remove the entire engine...
 
rondds said:
Par for the course for a SR design on a boat this size. That hi water pump (actually the float switch) was dead for years until the manifold job became necessary. The other two worked fine so it wasn't imperitive. But yeah, even with no exhaust system, it was not a pleasant experience.

Hey, a stuffed animal to anyone who can spot what is drastically wrong with that starboard engine in the picture! ;-)
Click to expand...


It sure looks like coolant is sitting in the bottom of the exhaust manifold, where only exhaust should be! Since fluid has a nasty tendancy to follow the law of gravity, it would also be in the cylinders via the exhaust valves... close??
 
it would also be in the cylinders via the exhaust valves... close??
Click to expand...

We HAVE a winner! good job! Engine was not started so no damage. Close call though.
 
Finally got the bilge pump fixed yesterday. I can't believe that they would make it so hard to get to such an important safety feature, especially one that you know is going to have to be replaced at some point. I had to remove the entire rear seat and the support structure just to be able to touch it. Let me say that I am not experienced at working on boats so all of this is new to me and I have to figure it out as I go. When I was able to touch it I mean with one hand there was no way to get both arms in from the same side. So that was Friday after work when I made contact with the Pump. It was a little greasy and the hose was slick and the clamp was hard to see (sorry I guess I should say that the hose had come loose from the pump, and the pump was working fine so I am thinking just reattach and all will be good.) so I decided to give the bilge a good degreasing and cleaning , I put some citrius degreaser in a pump up sprayer and cleaned the hell out of it. It was past beer thirty so I covered her up and put her to bed for the night. Next morning, I called my neighbor to come and hold the hose in place while I put the clamp on and tightned it. He couldn't come over for a couple of hours, and I had noticed that the wood support frame for the back seat was coming apart in a couple of places so I thought I might as well fix that while I had it apart, easy enough. My neighbor comes over and we position ourselves where he can use his right hand and I can use my left hand, I am left handed. Slide the hose on and it doesn't feel right. It was way to loose. I finally stick my finger in the hose and feel an other hose or tube, can't see it so have to go by feel. It is to far up in the hose to reach, so I put the garden hose on the outside and was able to use water pressure to push it to where we could get it. Long story but it is fixed and pumping water. Since I have it to where I can get to it more easily I am now going to try and replace the raw water pump. Anyone with any tricks or watch out fors please help me.
 
Good job! And sometimes people wonder why replacing a simple bilge pump turns into a $300 bill! You found out first-hand why!

Raw water pump? Make it easy on yourself and take it completely off.
 
I don't think I would take 300 dollars to do it. It was a real pain in the a$$. I think I spoke the wrong language I am wanting to replace the impeller not the pump. I have been reading several threads and am a bit confused but hopefully I can figure it out when I am looking at it on the boat. What is the best replacement kit to use orginal Mercruiser, Serria, or Jabsco? Where is the best place to purchase? Any tips would be welcomed.
 
I knew what you meant. The impeller is inside the raw water pump.

Remove the serp belt and the two large hoses (LABEL THESE!) on the backside of the pump. Remove the bolts that hold it fast (and fuel lines, etc). Take the whole thing to your workbench. Separate the halves, note the direction that the vanes are facing and remove the impeller. Check for scoring inside the housing. Replace as needed.

It's actually pretty straight forward, but I know I've seen some "how-to's" on this forum.

Oh... is your boat in the water?
 
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No it is on the trailer. Why do you remove the fuel lines? I was looking at it last night and it looked like there were two fuel lines that run under the two weater hoses. Do I need to remove water separator as well. Is it better to use box wrenches or sockets to take the bolts off? All very elementary questions, but this is my first time and I don't want to screw it up. Dennis thanks again you have been a great help.
 
On the trailer... good. Otherwise you have to plug the intake hose (one of the ones on the backside of the pump).

Fuel lines... remove from the fuel/water separator if it's in the way so you can move it.

As far as tools... Use whatever you're comfortable with and whatever makes it easiest. Wrench, ratcheting wrench, socket, socket with extension, etc.

It's pretty straight forward, so don't worry too much. But, you might want to take a few pictures before you start. Also, take a picture of the serp belt so you know how it goes back on. Again, pretty easy to figure out, but just in case.

Just mentioning this again... remember to label the large hoses on the backside of the pump.
 
Dennis if you get tired of answering my elementary questions just tell me to shut up and figure it out. I am just trying not to screw it up. I had to remove the serp belt to get to the bilge pump so I already have pictures of that. What brand do you think is best to use orginal Merc, Sierra, or Jabsco? Are all bravo impellars the same or do I need a specific part number when I order. Thanks!!!!!!!! I feel like I owe you a beer or six.
 
Brad, it's no problem at all. I'm happy to help - it's enjoyable.

There are times when I use other brands than Merc. But, I've always used Merc impellers. I figure... it's their pump, might as well use their impeller. I could use the other brands and save a few bucks, but in this case I'd rather just suck it up and go with something I KNOW will work. Not worth it in the long run. Others may have a different opinion, but that's mine.

I also like to buy from a local store whenever possible - whether it's marine related, or not (obviously for boat stuff that is easy for me!). If I have a problem, it's a lot easier to get a resolution than trying to deal with some internet-only company. If you have a Merc dealer, just give them your engine serial number and they'll get you the right thing since pump designs have changed over the years. That's assuming the original pump is still on your engine. If you're not sure, take a picture and send that along to your Merc dealer to verify, or have the picture in front of you when you call them so you can describe it.
 
I am going to a local shop after I get off work. I have never used him but have driven by his shop a few times. He works out of a large carport and the grounds don't inspire much confidence. I know you can't judge a book by its cover. Where I have had my work done is about an hour away. Since I have decided to start doing as much as I can on my own I need to find a local parts supply. Thanks again I wil let you know how it turns out.
 
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