Water Pump Installation Force 125

[Justinde]

Hi All

I started with installing the water pump today ( after a reccomended mechanic took her apart) and the mechanic has kept the ' half moon' looking pin that locates and drives the water pump/impellor. Other than the old water pump looking just fine ( he duped me), he kept this part. I looked at the parts and cannot see the part I need. Anyone know if I can use ANY part from any Merc/Chrysler? If so- what part do I ask for? Also, in the ' parts box' he left me, there is a breather tube ( or what looks like one) and I have no idea if this belongs to my boat! Should I take my whole lower unit to the parts shop and try and fit one there? Any help is much appreciated.

If you want, I'll post some pics of the old water pump housing, but my guess is that he wanted to charge me $300.00 for a $30.00 job.

Cheers

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Water Pump Installation Force 125

Google part# F523498.

Think you'll find it's an $8 part.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Water Pump Installation Force 125

I think you will find that a water pump impeller replacment would normally cost about 150 at the marina. The part itself is relatively inexpensive--around 17 bucks plus shipping online and about 27 bucks at the dealer.

Did he try to scam you? Difficult to say. An impeller may look OK but it is a normal replacement/maintenance item. Even acceptable appearing impellers may be faulty so you should ASSUME that it is bad unless it is demonstrated to be new or close to new. Once you drop the lower unit, you have already done most of the work, so you might as well throw in a new one and not worry. Thus: giving you a new impeller would be considered acceptable and normal practice. I know, I would do it. A new pump housing costs around 60 bucks.

Different mechanics charge different rates and it does take about an hour of time to drop the lower and reattach it--You need to pay him for his time at about 100-110 bucks an hour. Would you work for nothing? However, you should not be a patsy and pay more than the job is worth.

You did not state the year of your engine, but if it is earlier than say 1990, I believe that any drive key will fit. They were all the same segment of a woodruff key. Later, mercury started making changes to the pump and impeller. Quite frankly, I forget if they changed the drive key. That's the kind of thing I just know if I look at it---like driving the same road home every day. You just do it and forget the actual directions.

Post a photo of the tube. If it is white, it fits inside the pump and connects the pump to the brass water tube in the engine leg.

 

[steveclv]

Re: Water Pump Installation Force 125

Sort of a related question if the OP doesn't mind me using this thread

If you had a 125 which was throwing out plenty of water and not appearing to overheat, but has an unknown history, would you just change the impeller (lowest cost) or would you buy and install the complete kit (more expense) - trying to keep expenses to a minimum

 

[Justinde]

Re: Water Pump Installation Force 125

HI Frank & Co

Thanks for your replies. The model is a 1988, so when I go pick up my exhaust plate gaskets from the dealer, I will get a woodruff key to suit ( thanks for the terminology!). The mechanic took the impellor, so I have no clue as to the state of the impellor, however, the housing looks just fine. A little bit of salt corrosion here or there, but I'll post a pic this afternoon for you. I would not work for free, and profit is not a dirty word, however, the mechanic wanted to charge $300.00 for the waterpump, and $300 for installtion- $600.00 for what he may well have put just an impellor in and I'd never know. I am glad to be doing the entire waterpump, so that I know it is all 100%. With the exhaust plate, my old one is pitted badly, and I suspect that this is contributing to the overheating anyways. The tube is very small and black- I'll post a pic. It looks like a breather.

Steveclv, I think I answered your question above- I am doing the waterpump complete. It cost me $55.00 ( US) on ebay brand new. I'd do the lot and know its all new.

Cheers

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Water Pump Installation Force 125

Yeah, 600? That is a bit exorbitant. Glad you decided to take back the engine and do it yourself.

And Steve--Look at the pump. If it is not deeply pitted or heavily corroded, then just replace the impeller. If it makes you feel more secure and 55 isn't too steep for you, then do the complete pump. At least, with a new pump, you will know it should last for a number of years.