Leaking Water Pump??

[Boat Drinks]

We got the boat ('06 240SD 350 Mag/BIII) out yesterday for the first time this season, even though the weather was not cooperating. We wanted to get it to the marina where we dry stack, and at least get some water time. Everything went well, engine was running fine until I noticed water in the bilge, not enough to trigger the pump, I did'nt worry too much because on our tow to the lake we went through a couple heavy rainstorms. So I pumped out the bilge and we went off on our way. We ran about 30 min. and I checked the bilge again, more water. I also noticed the port side of the engine compartment where the trim pump and batteries are located was wet. Put the drive in neutral, and revved the engine and I could see water spraying from the bottom port side of the engine. It looks to me as though it is coming from what I think is the water pump (no shop manual). The forward part is gray with a blue drain plug, the aft part is black. With the engine at idle, I can see some water leaking out where the two sections meet. Could there be a bad gasket or do I need to repalce the entire water pump? How big of a job is it to fix? Or am I completely wrong and is there another problem?

All I can say is that at least this happened on a cool wet weekend, instead of a hot sunny one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GMAN1]

Sounds like you are talking about the raw water pump. It is located on the starboard side of the engine. If you are looking at your engine - bottom left there is a pulley. Behind it are two hoses attached to it. Check to make sure the hose clamps did not break or the blue plug fitting is not snapped. Your best bet is to remove it and check out. If you are going to remove it - I would replace the impeller since they are cheap. You should post a pic of what you are talking about to help you out better.

 

[Boat Drinks]

Thanks GMAN, I would have taken a few pictures, but did not have a camera with me, and now the boat is 100 miles from me. By your description, I'm not sure if it's the raw water pump, the part that is leaking is on the bottom right side of the engine as you are looking at it. There is a hose that comes in from the rear of the part, then there is another hose that exits at a right angle to the first hose. The water appears to be leaking out from where the 2 pieces of the pump join together, that is what led me to think that a gasket may have broken. I did check the clamps, they were both tight. I also checked the blue plug fitting and that was fine. I actually pulled the plug fitting out and the first water that came out was cold, then warmed to the engine temp. Additionally, the engine was running between 160-170 degrees, so no overheating. When I would shut the motor down the temp would rise a little, but as soon as I started it back the temp would go back down. I should have checked closer but I think the water pressure was running between 9-13 psi. A mechanic at the marina is taking a look at it this week so I should have more information. I will also be putting in a new impeller. Thanks for the help.

 

[gerryb]

Sounds like the Water distribution Housing to me. Kind of roundish with the blue plug in the front, right?

 

[Boat Drinks]

That's right. Do you know if there is a gasket that could have been gone, or do I replace the entire unit?

Thanks,

 

[blueeyeboatr]

water dit housing is NOT repairable, Replacement, is needed,

I took mine off and, wire brushed it, cleaned it and "Marine Tex"ed part is around $200.00 from MM, repair done 2 years ago and NO Problems

 

[gerryb]

No gasket - it's all one piece. Never heard of one going bad but in case that is the problem...here is what I think you'll need (assuming it is the vanilla version you have)

Part Number: 863631T1
Description: HOUSING ASSY (Mercury/Mercruiser)
Wholesale Price: $ 143.08+
Retail Price: $ 170.33
Weight: 0.82

 

[Boat Drinks]

Thank you for the help, I will be working on the boat this weekend. Other than having to contort myself to get at the part it doesn't look like too big a job. But I think we've all thought that on other projects over time. Again thanks for the help.

 

[flflatrate]

it probably wasn't winterized correctly and cracked. in a sundeck it is a pain to get to. It would help if you take the front of the engine box off for better accessability