Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

scooper77515 · Feb 24, 2011

There is no o-ring in the box with the new impeller. How important is the replacement of the o-ring if it appears to be in good shape?

If I need a new ring, does anyone know what size it is? It is a 2 hour drive to the parts store, and I would like to buy one locally or check out my personal stash of rings before making that drive for a very cheap part.

Don S · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Have no idea what oring you are referring to, but in general, gaskets, rather rubber or paper or plastic or whatever, are a one time use item only.

scooper77515 · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

The book shows an o-ring between the impeller and the housing. Says to throw it away. Seems like if it was a throwaway item, a new one would have been included in the box with the new impeller...

I guess it actually goes between the two halves of the impeller housing.

Volvo 4.3 GL

Don S · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Pictures or a link is needed. Not sure what you are calling a "Freshwater Pump".

The book shows an o-ring between the impeller and the housing. Says to throw it away.

Also don't have a clue what "The Book" is.

scooper77515 · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

I cannot post pictures from a book to the forum. p. 212 of VPA 7743365 03-2004 Volvo-Penta workshop manual. Calling it the "engine circulating pump". I cannot be any more clear than that...

Sucks water in from outside the boat, cools the engine with it. Similar to a "water pump" on the front of a car engine. Except has a rubber impeller rather than a metal blade. 2 hoses into it. mounted on the front of the engine...

"Similar Threads" below have many references to "freshwater pump". Maybe they will help?

Don S · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

p. 212 of VPA 7743365 03-2004 Volvo-Penta workshop manual. Calling it the "engine circulating pump". I cannot be any more clear than that...

Sucks water in from outside the boat, cools the engine with it. Similar to a "water pump" on the front of a car engine. Except has a rubber impeller rather than a metal blade. 2 hoses into it. mounted on the front of the engine...

You just described two completely different pumps.
I think I have that manual, and I will post some pics and hopefully an explanation after I do some searching.

Don S · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Ok, I think I can now understand your problem.

On page 212 of your manual, it shows the raw water pump and in step 3 it shows the oring to discard. (yes, you need to replace it)
Here is page 212.

Now, to the confusing part. On page 211 there is a note about the "Circulating pump". It's just a note, has nothing to do with naming the pump showing the impeller repair, it's more or less explaining that there is another pump. here is page 211. I have highlighted the note in yellow.

I would suggest you read and understand the description of your cooling system on pages 205 and 206 of your manual. Then you will understand the differences in the two pumps, and what each does.

For those that are curious, here is a link to that manual http://www.4shared.com/document/TC1l_hc-/7743365_Engine_Manual_43_ABCDE.html

scooper77515 · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Sorry. I was under the assumption that the pump on p. 211 was showing the first steps in replacing the impeller on the same pump as shown on p. 212.

So, back to original question...is the o-ring a dealer-only part, or can I find it in my o-ring drawer? Does anyone know the size of it?

I only ask because it is a 2 hour drive to get the parts, and I know the part will cost me $1.50 tops. And $35 in gas.

veritas honus · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

As long as you have an o-ring the same size (Thickness and diameter), and it's of at least the same quality material, your fine.

scooper77515 · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Thanks Veritas! You have been a lot of help over several threads!

Don S · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

scooper77515 said:
Thanks Veritas! You have been a lot of help over several threads!

Glad to hear you found someone to help.

muc · Feb 24, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

I didn't know you could buy just the impeller. It always comes with an o-ring and a packet of glycerin.

scooper77515 · Feb 25, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

now I see what is confusing. There is a different pump being described on page 210 called Circulating Pump (highlighted part on Don O's post), and the one on p. 211-212 is called Supply Pump. I have only heard it called Freshwater Pump, as I called it in first post.

yes, box with impeller has glycerin, but no o-ring. That is why I was asking this question in first place.

Joshua Nichols · Feb 25, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Bad parts salesman... Soulda asked if you needed it or pulled it and told you that you did.. Maybe the oring got taken out and used in the shop...

rickryder · Feb 25, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Take your old o-ring to an auto store and have them match it up to something they stock. Don S your the man! I love how you can explain and post pics to end confusion on so many subjects! Your an asset to us all.

Rick

sethjon · Feb 26, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

scooper77515 said:
There is no o-ring in the box with the new impeller. How important is the replacement of the o-ring if it appears to be in good shape?

If I need a new ring, does anyone know what size it is? It is a 2 hour drive to the parts store, and I would like to buy one locally or check out my personal stash of rings before making that drive for a very cheap part.

Why would you even chance it? How much is an oring? Duh!

scooper77515 · Feb 26, 2011

Re: Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

An o-ring, to me, at $3.50 per gallon for gas and 2 hours drive, is going to cost me approximately $40.

I found one locally that isn't quite the correct size but it worked.

Can I reuse o-ring on freshwater pump after impeller swap?

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Attachments

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Lieutenant Commander

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

"Retired" Association of Marine Technicians...

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Lieutenant

Commander

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Senior Chief Petty Officer