Re: leaking after water pump change
See if this helps.<br /><br /> johnnybigrigger <br />First Mate <br />Member # 24303 <br /><br /> posted June 12, 2003 09:00 AM <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Problem: I had warm exhaust water pouring from the area where the steering arm mounts to the engine at 4,000+ rpms(84, 185hp Evinrude).<br /><br />1. Posted my problem, and everybody responding agreed with me...power head gasket. I pulled the power head and found the base gasket leaking at the exhaust openings. Checked mating surfaces for straightness, and replaced the gasket with an OEM from my local dealer.<br /><br />2. Back to the water...still leaking. Spoke with a fellow that races OB's, and he said there was an updated gasket (thicker). Dealer called his parts rep for the number, and he had an aftermarket (updated) gasket in stock. Aftermarket parts rep confirmed...his gasket just as good as a OEM. R/R power head, and installed new gasket. Still leaked at 4,000rpms.<br /><br />3. Called around and found an OEM updated gasket at a dealer 50 miles away. Aftermarket rep wrong...the OEM was designed different from his. R/R powerhead, installed new style...still leaked at 4,000+ rpms.<br /><br />4. By now I can pull the power head in 15 minutes. What did I find? The OEM updated gasket was seated fine, but I still had water. It must be the exhaust housing...so I disassemble the entire middle housing. Everything is fine. Reassemble everything and back to the water without any of the cowling on the engine.<br /><br />5. With a friend driving the boat I check the temp of the water cascading from the top of the steering arm...it is cool. Not like before where it was warm from the engine. Back to the trailer, and this time I pulled the lower unit in the parking lot. The only place raw cool water could be coming from would be the pump. Pulled the water pump housing, removed the cup...the o-ring was missing that seals the cup to the upper housing. This was allowing water under pressure to fill the power shaft tube, and cascade over the steering arm. Found an o-ring at a local repair shop, reassembled, water test.... stopped and had a cold one on the way home in celebration.<br /><br />I learned a lesson over the last 7 days...check anything a previous owner has installed. I bought the engine from a friend (the fellow driving the boat). He admitted that was his first water pump replacement, and he had a few parts left over!<br /><br />just wanted to share my story<br /><br />--------------------<br />I am always at home on the water !<br /> <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
