Water pump housing pitted

[Screaming kiwi]

Hi folks,

I'm a newbie to boating and have a 1974 75HP & 1976 90Hp and both have pitted water pump housings. I'm wondering a couple of things;

a) does a bit of pitting affect performance - can I still use them (I've been told it shortens the life of the impeller).
b) is there anything I can do to tidy up the pitting?
c) I'm in Australia and am struggling to find housings/kits for these. Do you know any supplier who are likely to have them and ship internationally?
d) any other advice appreciated

Thanks, Grant

 

[Steven Bates]

Re: Water pump housing pitted

g'day mate, haha glad to hear i'm not the only aussie here with the old girls... i have found a few places that do... google up mastertech marine, their in the states but good... theres a place in qld that has a range too, if i find/remember it ill let you know.
I have a 90hp for parts in my shed, complete, but blew head gasket so i got lazy and put a 125 in its place... also got a 75hp with T/T so if you can't find things or need some parts let me know... cheers- steve.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Water pump housing pitted

The pits won't really hurt the impeller.
The pits don't affect the amount of water flow.Unless it's REAL bad!!
The sell a product called Marine Tex(think That's right)
Mix up a small amount and fill the holes and then with a sanding wheel take the excess off making it smooth.
Just don't take off too much.
I had a Mercruiser lower unit prop shaft oil leak.I filled it with Marine tex and put it in a lathe and smoothed it down and it stopped leaking.
Far as I know it has held for almost 15 years.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Water pump housing pitted

I would follow Jerry's recommendation while waiting for a replacement from the states. One thing I will add to his procedure is to use wire brush to clean the pittings. It's the only way to clean them without going through each one.

 

[Screaming kiwi]

Re: Water pump housing pitted

Thanks for all the comments guys, great effort. Good to know that minor pitting doesn't affect performance.

I'll have a look at Mastertech, no problems being in the USA - with our high Aussie dollar and the ridiculous cost of living here (Sydney is now the most expensive city in the world) buying from the USA & UK is commonplace now. I'll can track down the magic goo too.

Cheers,

Grant