Water Pump Seal Orientation - which way is up?

[Mercproject]

I have a 1966 Merc 650, (ser # 1869630), 4 cylinder.

Sometime ago I removed the water pump and seals to service them. Yes, I should have taken a photo to remember the seal orientation - but didn't.

Just looking for a short answer: Do the flat sides of the top and bottom seals face the pump impeller? That is, all seals (3 of them) will have the rubber, lip side facing away from the impeller?

Thank you,
Andy K

Okay: For the bottom 2 seals, # 20 has the rubber lips toward the pump.
# 19 has the rubber lips toward the gear case.
# 27 has the rubber lips toward the pump and not the motor.

Incorrectly installed oil seals would explain why I have had water in the gear case (and was not caused by the drive shaft being rusted at the impeller?)

 

[Texasmark]

You can't have anything but metal facing the impeller or it will wear through it in short order. Even some water pump covers that are made of white Nylon have a SS liner for the pump's blades to work in. So with that said seals facing away.

 

[Mi duckdown]

well texasmark I guess I gave him bad info. since he started a different post on the same topic sort of

 

[GA_Boater]

Right from the manual;

Single seal base - Press the upper seal into the pump base with it's lip facing the impeller.

Dual seal base - Press the upper seal into the pump base with it's lip facing the impeller. Press the lower seal into the pump base with it's lip facing the gearcase.

The seals are well away from the impeller, no chance of the seal lip wearing on the impeller.

Duck - You are correct in the seal orientation in the other thread..

 

[Mercproject]

GA and Duck - thank you very much for the info.
Ever since I had this motor I have had water in the gear case - this should solve the problem since I am sure they (# 20 and #27) were in there backwards before.
I was thinking the water was pushing past the rusted drive shaft - that may be true too.?

Texas - sorry I may not have been clear in the explanation, GA is right, the seals are no where near the impeller, it was just a point of reference.

So, just to confirm then, the top seal, # 27 has the lips toward the water pump and not the motor. I did not see a reference to that in the manual I have - then again, as many times as I have looked over that manual I did not see the Note that GA pointed out. (and I see it now, how embarrassing!).

You have been a great help - thank you, I appreciate it.

If you have any other tips, like Prince Charles, I am all ears.......

​Andy K

 

[Mi duckdown]

mercproject. Rusted carbon steal shaft was my next question for you. do you see NOW why starting different posts confuse people trying to help you. and pics are always helpful. or diagrams that you are looking at