[C38] Water pump update

[Joseph Launie]

Charles,
    You certainly have had a long trek. When you get to Door County you 
will be close to Peshtigo, Wisconsin. That is the site of the greatest 
forest fire in history in 1871. You get get the story at 
www.peshtigofire.info. Do not read this late at night, it is a real 
horror story. The survivors accounts shown in the newspapers of the day 
are especially spectacular. Joe Launie,,Macavity, Commodore

Charles wrote:
> Well, the Mighty Quinn is now in Duluth, MN after somewhere between 
> 1500-1900 nautical miles  (tacking hard to windward was a fact of life 
> through most of the voyage).  There seems to be some confusion regarding 
> the water pump.  The universal 5424 actually as two water pumps as do 
> all marine engines that use seawater cooling.  In my case, the internal 
> water pump began leaking at the seal.  The bearings are great and the 
> confounding part is the leak has actually diminished!  One clue is that 
> I had just replaced the alternator that had not been working for quite 
> some time...  I have 195 watts of solar and a 400 watt wind generator 
> that supply more than I ever need for the fridge, radar, etc. so the 
> alternator problem was masked by topped off batteries and my willingness 
> to ignore all the signs!   Plus, most of my sailing (until this five 
> week journey) had been 3-7 days. At this point, I am keeping the new 
> pump in reserve and will be carefully monitoring the anti-freeze 
> levels.  So, my thinking is the new alternator may have dramatically 
> increased belt loading, which may have caused the stiff water pump seal 
> to stress a bit and then start doing its job.  (comments?)
>
> What I have learned about water pumps:  First is there are actually two 
> models for this engine.  One has 15 bolts holding it to the engine and 
> mine has sixteen (be certain you carefully count as they are not all 
> visible from one position).  Second is this is not an inexpensive part!  
> I purchased my pump from MARINEPARTSSOURCE.COM which was more than $40 
> less than Torrenson (exact same part).  Don't forget to get the gasket!  
> And be very careful regarding even torque as this part would be easy to 
> damage when you are mounting it.  I intend to use an anti -seize grease 
> to ensure  it can be removed in the future.
>
> What would I do differently if I had the time (and already had not 
> bought the part):  The fact is that I had to replace the entire pump 
> ($480) assembly when the only problem was a $0.50 seal.  If I had access 
> to a machine or even a small engine repair shop, I am certain they could 
> press out the bearing and seal out and replace them for a fraction of 
> what I paid.
>
> My near term plans are to sail to the Apostle Islands after July 4 and 
> then on to Traverse Bay/Door County area of Lake Michigan where I plan 
> to leave her for the winter.
>
> Regards,
> Charles Finn
> Mighty Quinn #114
>
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