Seawater Pump Pulley Removal/Install

grouch0jr

After dropping in this past weekend, I noticed one of my seawater pumps is leaking a bit. I'm getting ready to do the replacement job for the first time. I've already bought the pump I need (this one), but I need to buy a 'power steering pulley removal/install tool set' in order to swap the pulley onto the new pump. I've seen conflicting information on what kind of set I need. Some sources say I need a metric set, and others saying I need one compatible with GM (and these appear to be SAE). Does anyone have any guidance or recommendations on which tool to buy?

LaRea

From the diagram, I think it's the same Lisle 39000 "no slip" pulley puller that I bought back in the day.  I still have it ... if you want it, I can ship it this week.

LaRea

I can tell you from experience -- regular 3-jaw pullers won't work.  

grouch0jr

LaRea said:

From the diagram, I think it's the same Lisle 39000 "no slip" pulley puller that I bought back in the day.  I still have it ... if you want it, I can ship it this week

This looks perfect. Thanks but I'm going to order one from Amazon so I can have it tomorrow. Thanks!

Dream_Inn

LaRea said:

I can tell you from experience -- regular 3-jaw pullers won't work.  

Yes, I’ve tried it as well.  

PickleRick

If you're in a need it now pinch most automotive stores rent a power steering pulley puller kit

Ian

Pressing it back on will be the next challenge.

LaRea

That tool does removal and installation.  Easy peasy.  But it only works with that specific style of pulley.

grouch0jr

So I got the pulley off using Lisle tool no problem (with a little help from an impact gun). I was missing some other tools on the boat so I didn't get to wrap up the project yet, but I also am worried a bit about water ingress while swapping the pumps. I have thru-hulls for the water pump, but when I close the sea cocks I think water still comes in through the bravo drives. I tested this by opening my sea strainer, and even with the sea **** closed water just continued to flow into the bilge.

When I disconnect the hose from the water pump, do I just shove a stopper into the hose? Is there a more graceful way to handle this? Also, isn't it a huge risk to have a water inlet that I can't shut off?

Grahamu

Stuff a rag into it or put a plastic bag over it and clamp it and keep the end of the hose above the water level outside of the boat, tie off if necessary.

rasbury

But @grouch0jr I understand the worry!

Dream_Inn

It should lift above the water line.

LaRea

With the rag method, you'll get some water in the bilge, but probably only a few cups.  No big deal. 

This might reduce your stress:  Even if something goes horribly wrong, and the hose ends up sitting there open for a while, your bilge pump can keep up.  It's not gonna sink the boat.

So use a screwdriver to stuff a rag into the hose, and it'll be fine.

Dream_Inn

I did this last summer when we were out on a trip ( usually no worries at home on boat lift), and once the hose was above water level, nothing came in.

grouch0jr

Thanks, I'll be working on this tomorrow.

grouch0jr

I got the pump changed today, and the water hoses ended up being one of the easiest parts. The original leak was from the shaft. I replaced the impeller housing, but not the back half. Unfortunately it seems like I have a different leak now. There appears to be a slow leak between the faces of the two halves. I put the gasket on and cranked everything down tight, so not sure what the problem is. Is it viable to take the pieces apart and seal the faces with gasket maker?

grouch0jr

Tore it apart again this morning, found my o-ring pinched. Doh!

grouch0jr

Luckily I had a spare. Everything is put back together. Ran her up to temp then gave her some revs, didn't spill a drop. Thanks everyone for the advice/help.