Sea Water Pump "Hardin vs OEM"

[Jaay757]

During winterization I noticed a small stain in my bilge which is coming from the underneath/front of my port side sea water pump. indicative and very similar to another thread which indicates it is shaft seal, I don't want to bother rebuilding the pump at this time as it is already 7 years old and would rather just replace it. I have read many threads regarding the Hardin Sea Water Pump for the 8.1 Merc and think I am ready to bite the bullet but want to make sure. What are your experiences/opinions on the Hardin pumps or should I just replace it with another self destroying OEM pump.
Thanks for your input..
Jason

 

[firecadet613]

I'm ordering the Hardin pumps right now. I'm replacing both of mine. One of mine has low PSI showing, and it was scored last year when I had my marina replace the impellers. I've read on here a few guys have replaced the OEM pump year after year. To me its worth it. Twice the cost, but then your done. I was going to do one this year, and one next, but of course the one with good PSI sprung a leak on my way to the lift to haul out, so I'll just do them both.

 

[Jaay757]

Firecadet613
I was thinking the same on replacing, they appear to be built better than the OEM pumps. Where did you end up ordering yours from? The pricing seems consistent at all vendors.

 

[firecadet613]

Direct from Hardin is the plan.

 

[rondds]

Went through this last spring. If you haven't seen this thread, take a look...

Raw Water Pump Leak

 

[Jaay757]

Thanks Ron, I did read that thread and I have a stain and rust on my port pump very similar to yours. I do like the hardin pump so I am ready to give it a try. Hardin has know changed there pulleys to black to avoid the wobbling impression as you experienced.
Thanks
Jason

 

[Shock_Loaded]

Just went with the hardin marine SS housings during my recent overhaul. Very nice quality, don't have to worry about the crappy oem plastic one wearing out/ cracking etc.
BTW, Bought mine at Diamond performance here http://www.diamondperformanceparts.com/home.php
no affiliation with them at all, just know a bunch of guys that have had good service from them.

 

[dpmulvey]

Just out of curiosity, Why isn't anyone converting to crank mounted pumps. They make changing impellers a snap.

 

[jason78]

Just out of curiosity, Why isn't anyone converting to crank mounted pumps. They make changing impellers a snap.

Unless I have missed it, no one has actually pulled this conversion off and posted any information about it. I know there has been a lot of talk about it over the years but I have never seen anyone do it. If I have missed something, please post a link to the thread. I am interested but my only concern is that, at least with the Jabsco pumps that have been posted here before, in the case where something caused the pump shaft to seize, I imagine it would rip all the hoses loose and cause some major problems with water coming on board.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Just out of curiosity, Why isn't anyone converting to crank mounted pumps. They make changing impellers a snap.

I was going to convert to front mounted pumps when I repowered late last year.
The sole reason I didn't was, I need all the clearance possible in front of the engines for maintenance access. It's tight but, I can currently squeeze in front of the engines if I need..
The front mounted pumps would stick out just enough to be in my way.

 

[mistercomputerman]

I bought a Hardin pump and now I can't get the pulley on the pump. Tried all the automotive tools for pressing it on already. I guess I am going to have to use a shop press on it.

 

[firecadet613]

Unless I have missed it, no one has actually pulled this conversion off and posted any information about it. I know there has been a lot of talk about it over the years but I have never seen anyone do it. If I have missed something, please post a link to the thread. I am interested but my only concern is that, at least with the Jabsco pumps that have been posted here before, in the case where something caused the pump shaft to seize, I imagine it would rip all the hoses loose and cause some major problems with water coming on board.

My last two boats were Volvo Penta powered, and this seemed to be a much better setup. I don't have room on my current boat to go with this, even though VP was an option from the factory. I believe its a flusher fit.

I bought a Hardin pump and now I can't get the pulley on the pump. Tried all the automotive tools for pressing it on already. I guess I am going to have to use a shop press on it.

After hearing that, I'm really glad I spent the extra $200 to buy both pumps with the pulley on it!

 

[Jaay757]

Mistercomputerman
I was tossing up getting the pump with the pulley for that reason, but I said to myself how hard can it be to install the pulley with the right tools. The one without said to use a center bolt to press it on but you are running into problems with that???

Jason

 

[mistercomputerman]

Correct

I have two center bolt press on tools and neither will get a new Merc pulley all the way on. It only has another 1/2" or so, but it is stuck and no amount of persuasion is moving it the rest of the way.

I would suggest you save yourself the hassle and purchase the pump with pulley.

I an going to have to take this one apart in order to press it the rest of the way with a shop press or try to heat it in the oven or cool it in the freezer. It is a PITA.