Water pump Question

[4 Reel]

Hello All.
Can anyone tell me what the ballpark life expectancy is of the engine driven water circulating pump, & is it possible to change just the impeller.I also have slight seepage from what i assume is a witness / vent hole just behind the pulley mount.
1998 5.0 merc Alpha 1 Gen 2
raw water cooled (salt).
Thank in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water pump Question

The engine circ pump does not have a rubber impeller like the raw water pump (aka sea water pump) does. It only circulates and never wears out. leaks are due to faulty seals.
They last till they fail, no standard that says something like replace every other year or 500 hours which ever comes first.
If it leaks, replace it. Use a good quality marine circ pump if you are running in salt water, and flush after each use if possible.
Salt water is why closed cooling systems were invented.