[C38] Water pump update

[Craig Steinkraus]

Charles, I am in Duluth also! I would love to meet you and see your boat. 
Give me a call at 218-428-3801

Craig
"Wings" c-38 #280
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles" <charles at finn.ws>
To: "Catalina 38 Listserve" <listserve at catalina38.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:40 AM
Subject: Re: [C38] Water pump update


> 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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