Water pump on 4.6L V6

BomberModelA

Cadet
Joined
Aug 4, 2011
Messages
18
Is a standard water pump from the autoparts store ok to put on this IO. If not what is the difference with the marine version?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Water pump on 4.6L V6

No, the seals and back cover in the marine pumps are designed to handle water instead of antifreeze.
 

paultjohnson

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
1,560
Re: Water pump on 4.6L V6

To add a little more to what Don correctly stated, Antifreeze acts as a lubricant, along with anti rust/corrosion properties.I wanted to put extended life Dex-cool in my old 77 Cutlass. The old school mechanic I work with warned me that the old water pump would fail cuz dex cool doesn't have the same lube qualities. You ever get that old antifreeze/coolant on your fingers? it feels oily. Dex cool has some lubricating qualities, but less then the old stuff. Sea [ lake ]water, has little to none depending on how you look at it.....Marine part$ are de$igned with thi$ in mind....
 

Bondo

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Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,462
Re: Water pump on 4.6L V6

Ayuh,... Differences I've found takin' apart old 1s is,...
The automotive impellers are stamped steel...
The marine impellers are cast iron....
 
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