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Sea Water Pump Help? 1997 4.3

J

jakkal99

New member
Looking for some help regarding my '97 VP 4.3GS PLKD with a VP SX-C1 outdrive with a belt-driven sea/raw water pump. At the end of last season, I noticed a VERY SLIGHT drip from the pump. A few weeks ago I changed out the impeller for the upcoming season, resealed the pump using the included gasket material and snugged up the 3 brass screws. Re-attached the pump and put it on the muffs to check for leaks. No issues... dry as a bone. Took it to the lake the next day, and it leaked far more than it ever had prior to me touching it. At idle and at WOT, the same leak occurred. Looking at it though, it's coming from the "shaft area" rather than the gasket area. Called it quits for the day, brought it home, put it on the muffs, and no leak! I have a 2-part question if anyone can offer some direction:

- Any reason why it would leak significantly more in the lake, than when under pressure using the muffs? Vibration of the boat maybe?? And while any leak isn't wanted, is there an immediate need to change the pump for a leak like this?

- According to VP's website, the part # I'm trying to find (if someone can check this for me?) is supposed to be a VP# 3851982 superceded by VP# 3857794... However, MarineEngine.com has it crossing to a Sierra #18-3599 which is then a CIRCULATING waterpump... The rep told me I need a #3851623 which is superceded by #3858847? There seems to be some confusion over what part # I actually need.

I know this is alot of stuff to throw at you, but any help would be great guys! I've learned alot from reading what you all post on here... Let me know if I can provide any more info.

Thanks!
 
Re: Sea Water Pump Help?

Same thing happened to mine, nothing on muffs but leak in the lake. Take the pump off there is seal in the back, its like a little oil seal its probably rotted away. Also when i took mine off the coupler that attaches it to the gear it runs on was broken too.

Get the new o-rings u will need when u take it off split the case open pop out the shaft pop out the old seal slip the new on in, put the shaft back in put the impellor back in reseal and have fun fishing.

Mine i had to fix right away cause it would leak water on the timing gear and cause it to rust out and potentially ruin the belt.

Reason it shows more on the lake then on the hose is the pump is below water level in the lake so more water is there then it can move.
 
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