1981 MerCruiser Outdrive Water Pump

[fordlove]

Hello all, I'm looking for a water pump for m 1981 Sea Ray. The outdrive has been replaced before I got the boat, previous owner said he locked up the old one. Any rate, I'm not 100% sure of the year or what water pump to purchase. Nearest boat shop is 65 miles away and talking to them on the phone makes you feel rushed.

Boat is a 1981 Sea Ray 24 foot cabin cruiser.
Outdrive says it's a MerCruiser 888


I want to replace the water pump because it doesn't seem to be circulating, the engine doesn't pull up water nor spit it out. I've bypassed the outdrive as a test, connected water hose to the hose that connects to the outdrive in the engine compartment, and that seems to flow fine. I've also replaced the water pump on the engine itself.

I've searched for "mercruiser 888 water pump" but that comes up with a bunch of different parts. Just want to make sure I'm getting the right part. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

Its listing 2 pump body assemblies, below S/N 3784374 and above that number (item 30
The rest of the parts are the same, maybe @Bt Doctur or @Bondo can advise

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30852/1579/6

 

[fordlove]

It's hard to read the serial number off mine, it's either 3520809 or maybe first digit is 8 or 9

 

[alldodge]

Being a 8 or 9 would put yours in the high S/N range so this should be 46-96148T1
Search only line the number and may find it for less

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/96148t1-body-assy-wp

Its item 30, I previously said 14 above and changed it

 

[fordlove]

Is that the entire water pump, or just the pump body? I'd like to replace everything to make sure I'm good to go.

 

[alldodge]

Its just the body, other parts are in post 2 link
I'm not an expert on the 888. Have a look at this thread which has some info.
They talk about Sierra 18-3317
https://forums.iboats.com/threads/merc-1-drive-888-188hp-water-pump-kit.478329/

 

[fordlove]

Thanks for the tip. Sounds like I need to take mine apart to figure out what I have, then go from there. At least we're narrowed down, much appreciated.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I'm not an expert but in searching the 888, it was in production from '71 to '77. The serial number range for them was 3106717 to 4782329. The outdrive would be a MC-1 model. When you separate the halves of the drive, the top of the vertical shaft of the lower half will have a pre-load pin at the top. That would confirm the lower half is MC-1. You will have to order two kits, the Water pump upper housing repair kit # 46-96148A 8 which will include everything except the base. The base kit for MC-1 will be #46-57234T 1 . Those are Mercruiser/Quicksilver part numbers.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

The older MC-1 will have a pre-load pin as shown on the right. The newer Alpha One lower won't have the pin (left side). The lower halves are interchangeable (as a complete unit). You can mate a MC-1 lower to an Alpha One upper and vise versa. The anti ventilation plate is also rounded on the MC-1 vs the squared off plate of the Alpha One.

 

[Bondo]

Its listing 2 pump body assemblies, below S/N 3784374 and above that number (item 30
The rest of the parts are the same, maybe @Bt Doctur or @Bondo can advise

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30852/1579/6

Ayuh,..... Of the 2 bases, the older has a plastic drain/ flush screw, 'n the newer don't, it's just like the Alpha 1,....

 

[fordlove]

Just got to taking this apart, and looks like I have the MC-1 as it has the pre-load pin. And question about that. Once apart, I can spin the shaft and the prop does not spin. Is that because that preload pin is not engaged? Just curious.

 

[Bondo]

Just got to taking this apart, and looks like I have the MC-1 as it has the pre-load pin. And question about that. Once apart, I can spin the shaft and the prop does not spin. Is that because that preload pin is not engaged? Just curious.

Nope, the shifting is done in the lower unit, 'n it's now in neutral,....

 

[fordlove]

Found this one on Amazon as an entire kit:

https://www.amazon.com/CM-Water-Pump-Kit-w-Housing-MerCruiser-Pre-Alpha-1-R-Sterndrive-18-3317-46-96148A8/dp/B0868QZMNW/ref=asc_df_B0868QZMNW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=517597253655&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12412099397373915303&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021418&hvtargid=pla-1266116842523&psc=1

And this one from MercruiserParts.com:

Mercury-Mercruiser 46-96148A8 Water Pump Upper Housing Repair Kit

Mercury-Mercruiser 46-96148A8 Water Pump Upper Housing Repair Kit genuine factory part not aftermarket. Fast shipping - Click here to see live inventory status

www.mercruiserparts.com

Any better suggestions?

 

[dubs283]

i would go with the latter of the two links you posted, the amazon one appears to be sierra. never had any luck with the sierra pumps, you're better off with oem

fyi the second pump assy does NOT include the base assy which you definitely should be replacing as well

 

[fordlove]

Great, thanks for all the info, much appreciated.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I 2nd staying with Quicksilver/Mercruiser for the water pump kit. When you mate the drive halves back together, you have to have both in forward gear as they are mated.

 

[achris]