Water pump question in Alpha 1 / 4.3MPI

[roger275]

I know the Alpha 1 lower unit has an impeller water pump that should be replaced periodically. But does the 4.3MPI engine also have a belt driven or other pump that needs routine maintenance? We left our boat in Florida so I can't look and see. I've seen discussions about a "sea water pump" but am not sure if I have these or not.

Does anyone have a link to good instructions with photos describing the Alpha 1 impeller replacement procedure?

 

[Redhook98]

You have a pump inside each outdrive that pumps sea water to your engine. These need to be serviced at regular intervals. You also have a water pump mounted to the front of your engine that circulates the water from the first pump thru your engine. This is the same as the water pump on you car (BUT, it has been modified with bronze/brass fittings and seals. Not interchangeable because of that). These second pumps only need to be replaced if the seals are leaking or they fail entirely (rare). 99% of the time, the bearing seal on the shaft will leak, and in worse cases, it can freeze. Never had that happen to me though.

 

[MaddyDean]

I am thinking that I will convert to a thru hull system--are there any benefits to that and what's involved, and what is an approx. cost?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Roger,

Try this: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24719&highlight=impeller

Note that the OP, Curtis, found that the kit he bought differed, slightly - be sure to read through the whole post.

A service manual would be a good idea, too.

 

[roger275]

Roger,

Try this: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24719&highlight=impeller

Note that the OP, Curtis, found that the kit he bought differed, slightly - be sure to read through the whole post.

A service manual would be a good idea, too.

Dennis,

Thanks for the link. I've replaced them on outboards and am pretty sure I can handle it, but will be in a hurry to get moving when we resume our loop trip next spring. Since your in the business I'd like to know what you think is a fair price to pay the yard to install the 2 kits.

 

[Redhook98]

Dennis,

Thanks for the link. I've replaced them on outboards and am pretty sure I can handle it, but will be in a hurry to get moving when we resume our loop trip next spring. Since your in the business I'd like to know what you think is a fair price to pay the yard to install the 2 kits.

This is kind of a loaded question and really depends on what part of the country you live in, how well you know the marina it would be done at, and how fast you want it done. This subject came up a bout 2-3 weeks ago. Someone on here had the same exact job on their boat done as I had (bellows, gimble, shift cables, zincs), and paid over twice what I paid. And mine included parts!

I would do it yourself honestly. It is very easy on Alphas and you will get off al ot cheaper. And you could do both within a few hours (max) if nothing else is found wrong.

Barring all that however, I would pay no more then what it costs to haul it (if you need to), and 2 hours labor (max) per outdrive. Once again, this is if nothing else is found bad.

My 2 cents...

 

[Lazy Daze]

I've replaced them on outboards and am pretty sure I can handle it,

Pretty much identical to an OB - so if you've done that before, it'll be a piece of cake.

I'd have to get my service manager to give me a labor quote. But, the service department is closed for a few weeks. If you PM me in a few weeks, I'd be happy to give you an idea.