Small leak from raw water pump housing

[mikeauton]

Hi all,

I have just noticed that the raw water pump on my Volvo Penta GL-H has a slight leak coming from the bottom, it is spitting up on the belt with the engine running and this is how I spotted it. I tightened all 4 bolts, so I am confident this is not the issue, not checked the oring yet but about to go and pull this out just to be sure, though I doubt this is the problem.

Just been told by my local parts store that I need a new pump - $400 :blue: I dont dis trust them at all, but just would welcome some input from others before I go and commit some $$$ to this. Also looks like a not so fun job to fit the new one - seems the whole assembly needs to be removed behind the pulley wheel not just the housing?

They said it is a common problem on a 7 year old (260 hrs) engine?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Make sure you didn't double up the o-rings. A lot of people take the pump off and don't see the o-ring so they add another one and put the pump back on. The o-ring sits in a groove on the shaft and is hard to see without a mirror. Two o-rings will make the pump leak.

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Thanks for the tip, I will double check but I am pretty sure I took the old one out when I last replaced it. Also the leak has only just come about since I last took the boat out.

As you seem to have the same engine, have you replaced your raw water pump? It is a $400 part!! So I am checking everything very carefully before I get my wallet out.....

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

No I have never had any problems with my water pump. I seem to remember that the commonly bad pumps were the old plastic ones but I'm not sure about that. I seem to remember a small leak several years ago, but after replacing the impeller it was gone. Definitely check the o-ring, the impeller being fully seated in the pump (I believe it should sit even with the inside lip of the pump), and then the tightness of the 4 bolts. I just can't see how these metal pumps can "go bad."

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

No I have never had any problems with my water pump. I seem to remember that the commonly bad pumps were the old plastic ones but I'm not sure about that. I seem to remember a small leak several years ago, but after replacing the impeller it was gone. Definitely check the o-ring, the impeller being fully seated in the pump (I believe it should sit even with the inside lip of the pump), and then the tightness of the 4 bolts. I just can't see how these metal pumps can "go bad."

The dealer is telling me that they tend go at about 250 hours (I have 260 hrs on my engine). I also am thinking this is a metal pump with a brass housing - what is there to fail here?

There are a good few postings on this site reporting precisely the same problem, one with Don S (god rest his soul) saying "Replace the pump!!"

I also note your location, assuming you are only using your boat in fresh water? Possibly the salt just wrecks these pumps? Though I flush my engine really well after each use.

How many hours do you have on your engine? I am going to pop out to the boat later and have another play - will report back on any significant findings.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

I wish I could say for sure, but I cannot. Previous owner didn't have an hour meter, and I added perfect pass last fall so I only have a guess. I believe I've put ~100-150 hrs on it in my 3 years, but no idea what the previous owner did the prior 4 years. Let us know what you find, it could come in handy in the near future for me as well.

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

I am doing a little research here and from what I can see, these things are definitely serviceable. Once the pump is removed, there is a seal on the shaft which I strongly suspect is what is causing the leak. It seems to me, you can pay your $400 for a new pump, but what you are really paying for is the new seal, bearing and possibly a new impeller (which I dont need).

Here is a little video which is very informative :-

2004 Volvo Raw Water Pump 5.7 - YouTube

I am going to pull mine out and have a closer look at it. Bottom line is that all these pumps will eventually leak, I suspect in fresh water you naturally get a longer life.

Here is a guy selling a service kit on ebay :-

Crank Mounted Volvo Penta Raw Water Pump Rebuild Repair Rebuilt Kit Sea Fresh | eBay

Will update when I know a little more.....

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Here is an earlier thread from the forum which gives you step by step instructions, 100% confirmed there is no need to buy a new pump

My bearing is just fine, already removed the shaft seal and will order a new one tomorrow - $4 vs $400 for a new pump. If it does not work for any reason, I can always go buy the replacement pump.

http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-pent...ives/volvo-penta-raw-water-pump-625155-3.html

 

[dannys2004glastron175mx]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

I rebuilt my pump the seal that you need its 16X28X7 and the bearing is a 6006-2RS, you will need a small 3 jaw puller to pull the hub off to get at the bearing

 

[dannys2004glastron175mx]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

this is the seal and bearing I got OIL Seal 16x28x7mm Viton Rotary Shaft R21 SC Single LIP Stainless Steel Spring | eBay



Bearings 6000 6009 2RS Stainless Steel | eBay

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Hi Danny,

Thanks for your input, nice to hear you rebuilt your pump with no issues. I did already order the new seal, I have checked the bearings and they do not need replacing at this stage.

I have to say, it is a little annoying that the parts people and Volvo themselves try to sell you a complete pump - it is crazy when you see how easy it is to replace the shaft seal!! I am sure the bearings would take a little more work, but again not that difficult with even basic skills.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Hi Danny,

I have to say, it is a little annoying that the parts people and Volvo themselves try to sell you a complete pump

As much as I like my Volvo, this really drives me nuts sometimes. Last week I was having trim pump issues, and after further investigating I realized they will not sell just the pump, but you have to buy the pump/cover/lines together for the sx-a drives. $900 vs what is probably a $400 pump.

 

[dannys2004glastron175mx]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Hi Danny,

Thanks for your input, nice to hear you rebuilt your pump with no issues. I did already order the new seal, I have checked the bearings and they do not need replacing at this stage.

I have to say, it is a little annoying that the parts people and Volvo themselves try to sell you a complete pump - it is crazy when you see how easy it is to replace the shaft seal!! I am sure the bearings would take a little more work, but again not that difficult with even basic skills.

I got a spare seal and bearing in my tool box , so next time I need it I will have one on hand, you should do the same

 

[dizzy1]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

My 2007 boat i got last year had the same exactly motor, got it from a bank repo. Had a slight leak from the water pump as well, maybe 10-15 drops per minute. I tightened the 4 bolts as well and nothing seemed to help. This off season, i pulled it apart and cleaned up the mating surface when changing the impellor. Also used a thick grease i had for orings(from a water softner on my house) to the main oring and bolted everything back together. Been out 3 times this year and not a single drop of water. Almost thinking you can get a leak around the oring if the mating surface is not clean or little dirty/rusty. Might be something to look at.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-pent...es-outdrives/volvo-sea-water-pump-589027.html

Not only do you change your impeller yrly the rear seal needs to be changed or you will wipe out the bearing.

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

Chances are that after the seal leaked it would allow water into the bearing, they are "sealed" but not watertight. For what a new bearing costs it is well worth replacing it to save having to do it all again.

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Small leak from raw water pump housing

So here is my conclusion on this one. I bought a new shaft seal for a few $$ and fitted it fairly easily by putting a little oil on it, placing a large washer over the top, then gently tapped it into place. I checked the bearings, they were 100% OK (it is much more work to replace the bearings apparently). When I took the old seal out, it was a big mess and not surprised it was leaking. Yes, the bearings will have got some water in and in my case this is salt water, but I flushed them out and oiled them up - I doubt they will go in the near future. I have just run the engine and the leak is gone for sure.

What I learned from this experience :-

1. The pumps do have a limited life, no doubt they last longer in fresh water. 250 hrs seems to be the point of failure for most folks.
2. You definitely do not need to buy a new pump!!!
3. This forum is awesome and it has saved me a lot of money already
4. Apply a little patience and think carefully about everything you do and most things can be fixed

So Volvo and my local parts store were more than happy to tell me I needed a $400 + tax replacement pump, I strongly suspect that they know only too well that you can replace both the bearings and seal - welcome to capitalism.

Imagine the cost if I had a mechanic look at this for me?