Westerbeke raw water pump

[Dive Girl]

Well, we noticed that our raw water pump was the culprit causing water in the bilge (narrowed it down, as it only occurred after running the genny). Hoping for the "easiest" fix, we replaced the impeller (it had been 3 years but only 70 hours). Impeller was fine, but what a nightmare to replace! Anyway... we still have a leak, it's coming from the weep holes. Crap!

OK, now for the questions: Do we replace the raw water pump, or do a rebuild. Any recommendations on where to purchase?

Thanks all!

Oh, it's a 4.5kw generator.

 

[src]

I'm facing the same repair on my Westerbeke 4.5KW. I would love to get by with a rebuild, but I worry about doing a decent job of it, and the rebuild kit is VERY expensive considering the parts involved. I'm strongly considering just replacing the pump and doing the rebuild so I have a spare. I just wish I could find the pump for a reasonable price (everything I see is around $400 or higher).

 

[mistercomputerman]

http://www.depcopump.com/catalogs/current_marine/catalog111/Page-139.pdf#search="westerbeke"

 

[Dive Girl]

Well, after extensive searching on the internet. I found the pump part #. The pump is no longer available for our model BCGTC. There is a replacement kit, dandy! I too think that it's more prudent to replace the pump. Now I'm looking for the best price, of course. Sorry mistercomputerman, they don't have the pump I need. Thanks though!

src, the new pump replacement kit is part #47206

 

[src]

For mine, the original pump is a 32617 (obsolete) and the replacement pump model is 46120. For that one the repair kit is 46623 (from what I can find). Turns out there is a Johnson replacement for the pump that is under $250, so that's better than I was seeing for the Westerbeke part by quite a lot.

It may be that we have different 4.5KW generators, since you are seeing different part numbers. Mine is a BCGB.

 

[Dive Girl]

Our original part was 32617 but the replacement pump kit (some adaptation must be done) is 47206. If it needs replacing after that, then it's 46120. Double check and let me know!

"Category:Engine Parts & Accessories > Westebeke Engines and Parts
Manufacturer: Westerbeke
Part Number: 47206
Description:
Water pump conversion kit for BCGTC, BCGTE and BCGB (not BCG)This kit is for the first time replacement of certain discontinued pumps such as the Westerbeke 32617.
The kit includes parts needed to realign the new pump (the pump is included in the kit).
The new part number for the pump alone is Westerbeke 46120 and is a direct replacement for WSB gas generators BCGTC, BCGTE and BCGB.
After the kit has been purchased, any future need of replacement will only require the stand alone pump, part number 46120."

 

[src]

Interesting, thanks. I missed that in the description.

 

[docofthebay]

I had same issue, replaced the whole pump unit. It was an easy 4 bolt replacement.

 

[Dive Girl]

I'd love easy, what about the belt?

 

[390x]

I'd go broke if I replaced entire pumps when $5 seals started leaking...........

 

[src]

I'd go broke if I replaced entire pumps when $5 seals started leaking...........

In general I agree with you, but my preference is to know WTH I'm doing when I work on a system, and I would rather put a new one in THEN learn to rebuild the old one. Good to have spares, ya know. If I wait until the end of the season, I might be tempted to try the rebuild first.

 

[390x]

All you have to do is take the pump off, remove the impeller cover, remove the impeller, remove the seal, replace the seal, put impeller back in, put pump cover back on, put pump back on. It's not a tough job.

 

[ippa2]

If your genny is positioned like mine, the belts and water pump are facing aft in the aft corner of the bildge and it is f'ing impossible to see what you're doing. I had to unbolt my genny from the bildge, disconnect exhaust, remove my 454 riser and exhaust just so I could work on the damn generator. In the end I had to replace the pump, $400 from Hansen marine in Marblehead, MA. Fast forward a few weeks from water pump fix and now I have a major oil leak somewhere on the generator... again no visibility to the damn thing so it's not as easy to trouble shoot as an oil leak on one of the engines where you can see everything. Next boat criteria: better generator access.... Good luck!

 

[mistercomputerman]

If your genny is positioned like mine, the belts and water pump are facing aft in the aft corner of the bildge and it is f'ing impossible to see what you're doing. I had to unbolt my genny from the bildge, disconnect exhaust, remove my 454 riser and exhaust just so I could work on the damn generator. In the end I had to replace the pump, $400 from Hansen marine in Marblehead, MA. Fast forward a few weeks from water pump fix and now I have a major oil leak somewhere on the generator... again no visibility to the damn thing so it's not as easy to trouble shoot as an oil leak on one of the engines where you can see everything. Next boat criteria: better generator access.... Good luck!

Check the oil filter...

 

[Dive Girl]

Replacing the impeller and seals didn't work. bought the new replacement pump. Guess what? It's a nightmare to work on! We'll do a rebuild on the old one for a spare. Hate being with a generator in the middle of boating season!!